Commercial Aviation
KLM Cancels 600 Flights Due to De-Icing Fluid Shortage at Schiphol
KLM cancels hundreds of flights at Schiphol Airport due to a critical shortage of aircraft de-icing fluid amid severe winter storms and supply chain disruptions.
This article is based on an official press release from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and operational updates from Schiphol Airport.
A severe winter storm system combined with a critical supply chain failure has forced KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to cancel approximately 600 flights scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The disruption, which began earlier in the week, has left thousands of passengers stranded at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) as the airline struggles to secure enough aircraft de-icing fluid to maintain operations.
According to official updates from the airline, the cancellations are a preemptive measure to prevent further chaos at the airport, where runway capacity is already reduced due to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. The crisis highlights a significant vulnerability in aviation logistics, as the very weather causing the delays is also preventing the delivery of essential supplies.
While winter weather is a standard challenge for European aviation, the current situation at Schiphol is being driven by a specific shortage of glycol, the chemical agent used to de-ice aircraft wings and fuselage. In a statement released on January 6, KLM acknowledged that their supplier in Germany was unable to guarantee timely delivery of the fluid due to the widespread impact of the storm system across Northwest Europe.
To maintain even a reduced schedule, KLM reports it is currently consuming approximately 85,000 liters of de-icing fluid daily. With 25 de-icing trucks operating 24/7, the airline is burning through reserves faster than they can be replenished. In an effort to mitigate the shortage, KLM has deployed its own trucks to Germany to collect the fluid directly, though road conditions remain treacherous.
“We are working tirelessly to manage this fluid shortage, but with the persistent snowstorm and strong winds, our resources are stretched. Our supplier in Germany has informed us that they cannot guarantee timely replenishment.”
, KLM Spokesperson
It is important to note the distinction between airport and airline responsibilities during this crisis. Schiphol Airport authorities have clarified that the airport itself has an ample supply of runway de-icing fluid and snow-clearing equipment. The bottleneck is specifically related to aircraft de-icing fluid, which is the operational responsibility of individual airlines, in this case, KLM.
The scale of the disruption has effectively paralyzed much of the network connected to Amsterdam. Following a difficult weekend where Schiphol was identified as the “world’s most disrupted airport,” the situation deteriorated on Tuesday, January 6, with nearly half of all departures canceled. The cancellation of 600 flights on Wednesday represents a significant portion of KLM’s daily capacity. Compounding the misery for travelers, the ground infrastructure in the Netherlands has also buckled under the freezing conditions. On January 6, the Dutch rail network (NS) suffered what was described as a “meltdown” due to frozen switches and IT outages, leaving the airport unreachable by train for several hours.
As of January 7, Dutch Railways is operating a reduced “winter timetable.” Travelers attempting to reach Schiphol or leave the airport should expect overcrowding and fewer Intercity and Sprinter services. The Dutch Infrastructure Agency (Rijkswaterstaat) has urged the public to work from home to keep roads clear for emergency services and essential transport.
With rebooking options scarce due to the high volume of cancellations, thousands of passengers have been left stranded. On the night of January 6, camp beds were deployed in the departure halls for travelers unable to secure hotel accommodation. KLM has warned that rebooking may take several days as flights remain fully booked or canceled.
The Vulnerability of Just-in-Time Logistics
This event serves as a stark case study on the fragility of “Just-in-Time” (JIT) supply chains in the aviation sector. Airlines often minimize on-site storage of chemicals like glycol to reduce costs, relying on steady shipments from suppliers. However, when a weather event is severe enough to require maximum usage of de-icing fluid while simultaneously blocking the road and rail networks needed to deliver that fluid, the system faces a cascading failure.
We anticipate that this operational collapse will force European carriers to re-evaluate their winter contingency planning, potentially leading to requirements for larger on-site strategic reserves of critical operational fluids at major hubs like Schiphol.
Amid the confusion, KLM has issued an urgent warning regarding cybercriminals targeting frustrated passengers on social media. Scammers posing as “KLM Customer Support” are responding to public complaints with fake links, promising compensation or rebooking assistance.
Safety Advisory: The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) issued a Code Orange warning for Wednesday morning, predicting heavy snow accumulation of 3–7 cm and wind chills dropping between -5°C and -10°C. While snow crews at Schiphol are working around the clock to keep runways clear, the combination of low visibility and the ongoing fluid shortage suggests disruptions will likely persist through the end of the week.
Sources: KLM Newsroom, Schiphol Airport, KNMI, Dutch Railways (NS).
KLM Cancels Hundreds of Flights as De-Icing Shortage and Winter Storms Paralyze Schiphol
The “Perfect Storm”: Weather and Supply Chain Failure
Distinction in Responsibilities
Operational Impact and Passenger Disruption
Ground Transport Meltdown
Stranded Passengers
AirPro News Analysis
Urgent Warning: Scammers Targeting Passengers
Weather Outlook
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo Credit: ANP – Reismedia
Route Development
Heathrow Ends 100ml Liquid Limit with £1 Billion Security Upgrade
Heathrow Airport completes £1 billion upgrade with CT scanners, allowing liquids up to 2L and laptops in bags for departures.
Heathrow Airport has officially announced the completion of a massive security upgrade across all four of its terminals, marking the end of the restrictive 100ml liquid limit for departing passengers. According to an official press release issued on January 23, 2026, the airport has finalized a £1 billion investment to install next-generation Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, positioning itself as the largest airport in the world to fully deploy this technology across its entire operation.
The upgrade fundamentally changes the pre-flight experience for millions of travelers. Under the new regulations, passengers departing from Heathrow can now carry liquids in containers of up to 2 liters in their hand luggage. Additionally, large electronic devices such as laptops and tablets no longer need to be removed from bags during screening. The airport states that this move will not only streamline the security process but also significantly reduce single-use plastic waste.
The core of this upgrade involves the installation of advanced CT scanners, similar to technology used in medical environments. These machines generate detailed 3D images of cabin baggage, allowing security officers to rotate and analyze the contents on-screen without requiring passengers to physically separate items.
In its announcement, Heathrow confirmed that the requirement to place liquids in clear plastic bags has been eliminated. This operational shift is expected to have a substantial environmental impact. The airport estimates that removing the plastic bag mandate will save approximately 16 million single-use plastic bags annually.
Data released by the airport suggests the new technology is already delivering performance improvements. Heathrow reported that in 2025, it was named “Europe’s most punctual hub airport.” During that period, more than 97% of passengers waited less than five minutes for security screening. Furthermore, the airport noted that its baggage load rate improved to over 98% in 2025, indicating a reduction in missed bags.
Thomas Woldbye, CEO of Heathrow, highlighted the significance of the milestone in a statement included in the press release:
“Every Heathrow passenger can now leave their liquids and laptops in their bags at security as we become the largest airport in the world to roll out the latest security scanning technology. That means less time preparing for security and more time enjoying their journey, and millions fewer single-use plastic bags. This billion pound investment means our customers can be confident they will continue to have a great experience at Heathrow.”
While the completion of this project is a major achievement for UK aviation infrastructure, it comes after significant industry-wide delays. The UK government originally set a deadline of June 2024 for major airports to install this technology. Like Gatwick, Manchester, and Stansted, Heathrow faced logistical hurdles, including supply chain issues and the need to reinforce floors to support the heavy scanners, that pushed the completion date to January 2026.
Travelers must remain vigilant regarding the limitations of this new rule. The ability to carry liquids up to 2 liters applies only to passengers departing from Heathrow. Many international destinations, as well as other airports within the UK and EU, may not have completed their upgrades. Passengers transferring through other hubs or returning to Heathrow from airports without CT scanners will still be subject to the traditional 100ml liquid limit. Consequently, purchasing large liquids duty-free or packing full-sized toiletries in carry-on luggage could result in confiscation at the return airport or a connecting security checkpoint. We recommend checking the specific security regulations of all airports on your itinerary before packing.
Do I still need to put liquids in a plastic bag at Heathrow? What is the new liquid limit? Do I need to take my laptop out of my bag? Does this apply to my return flight?
Heathrow Scraps 100ml Liquid Limit Following £1 Billion Security Overhaul
Next-Generation Security Technology
Operational Efficiency Gains
AirPro News Analysis: Context and Traveler Advisory
The “One-Way” Rule Caveat
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The requirement to use clear plastic bags for liquids has been eliminated for departures from Heathrow.
Passengers can now carry liquids in containers of up to 2 liters in their hand luggage.
No. Laptops, tablets, and other large electronics can remain inside your cabin baggage during the screening process.
Not necessarily. These rules apply to departures from Heathrow. You must check the rules of the airport you are flying back from, as many still enforce the 100ml limit.
Sources
Photo Credit: Heathrow Airport
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
AirAsia Nears Deal to Acquire 100 Airbus A220 Jets
AirAsia is close to finalizing a deal to buy around 100 Airbus A220 jets, marking a strategic fleet expansion for the Southeast Asian carrier.
This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and Tim Hepher.
AirAsia is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire approximately 100 Airbus A220 aircraft, a move that would signify a major strategic pivot for the Southeast Asian budget carrier. According to exclusive reporting by Reuters, the airline is “closing in” on the agreement, which would mark its first entry into the dedicated regional jet market.
Industry sources indicate that the deal could be finalized soon, with the upcoming Singapore Airshow, scheduled for February 3–8, 2026, viewed as a probable venue for an official announcement. If completed, this acquisition would diversify AirAsia’s fleet, which has been dominated by larger narrowbody aircraft for over a decade.
The reported agreement involves a firm order for around 100 jets. While specific variants have not been confirmed by the airline, industry analysis suggests the carrier is targeting the A220-300, the larger variant of the family, which is favored by low-cost carriers for its higher seating capacity and unit cost efficiency.
Based on 2025 list prices, a deal for 100 A220-300 jets would be valued at approximately $9.15 billion. However, large-scale orders of this magnitude typically attract significant discounts from manufacturers, meaning the actual transaction value would likely be substantially lower.
“Airbus is closing in on a deal to sell around 100 A220 jets to AirAsia…”
, Reporting by Tim Hepher, Reuters
This potential order comes as AirAsia completes a significant corporate restructuring. In January 2026, AirAsia X completed its acquisition of Capital A’s aviation assets, consolidating short-haul and long-haul operations under a unified “AirAsia Group” umbrella. This streamlined structure appears to be facilitating a more cohesive, group-wide fleet strategy.
For years, AirAsia has operated a standardized fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. The introduction of the A220 would represent a departure from the single-type fleet model often strictly adhered to by low-cost carriers (LCCs). However, the move aligns with a post-pandemic industry trend toward “right-sizing” capacity. The A220-300, typically seating between 130 and 160 passengers, sits below the capacity of the A320neo (180+ seats). This allows the airline to:
The Shift from Volume to Precision
We view this potential order as a signal that AirAsia is moving from a “survival mode” strategy to one of “smart growth.” Historically, LCCs in Southeast Asia have chased volume on trunk routes using the largest possible narrowbodies (like the A321). By opting for the A220, AirAsia acknowledges that the next phase of growth lies in connecting secondary and tertiary markets that cannot support 180-seat aircraft.
Furthermore, this is a significant win for the Airbus A220 program in a region where it has faced stiff competition. Reports indicate that AirAsia also evaluated the Embraer E195-E2. Selecting the A220 reinforces Airbus’s dominance in the carrier’s fleet, despite the A220 having a different cockpit and supply chain than the A320 family.
AirAsia launched in 1996 with Boeing 737-300s before transitioning to an all-Airbus fleet to standardize maintenance and training. Introducing a second fleet type adds complexity, but the operational savings of the A220 on specific routes appear to outweigh the costs of diversification.
According to market reports, the deal is not yet signed, and negotiations regarding pricing and delivery slots are ongoing. However, the timing aligns with the industry’s recovery trajectory, where airlines are locking in delivery slots for the late 2020s to secure future capacity.
Report: AirAsia Nears Deal for 100 Airbus A220 Jets
Details of the Potential Acquisition
Strategic Rationale: Right-Sizing the Network
AirPro News Analysis
Fleet Evolution and Competitor Context
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: AirAsia
Airlines Strategy
JetBlue Launches Public Vote for Dominican Republic Aircraft Livery
JetBlue starts public voting for a Dominican Republic-themed aircraft livery by local artists, debuting in Spring 2026 on an A320.
This article is based on an official press release from JetBlue.
JetBlue has announced the launch of a new cultural campaign, “RD: Orgullo que Eleva” (DR: Pride That Elevates), aimed at celebrating the airline’s long-standing relationship with the Dominican Republic. As the largest carrier currently serving the market between the United States and the Dominican Republic, the airlines is introducing a public voting initiative to select a custom aircraft livery designed by Dominican artists.
According to the company’s announcement, this marks the first time JetBlue will dedicate a specific aircraft livery to the Dominican Republic. The winning design will be painted on an Airbus A320, which is scheduled to enter service in Spring 2026. The initiative highlights the carrier’s strategy to deepen ties with the Dominican community, a market it has served for nearly 22 years.
The core of the “RD: Orgullo que Eleva” campaign is community engagement. JetBlue has commissioned three distinct Dominican artists and collectives to propose designs that reflect the country’s folklore, nature, and spirit. The airline has opened a public voting platform where community members can select their preferred design.
Voting is currently open and will run through February 1, 2026. The airline directs participants to cast their votes at VotaJetBlueRD.com. Following the conclusion of the voting period, the winning concept will be announced in February, with the aircraft expected to debut later in the spring.
“As the largest airline serving the Dominican Republic, we’re proud to introduce JetBlue’s first livery dedicated to the country, which will showcase the work of a local artist and be chosen by the community. This initiative honors the country’s vibrant culture and creative talent, while reflecting the strong bond we’ve built there for more than twenty years.”
JetBlue selected three artists to interpret Dominican culture through their unique visual styles. The public will choose between the following concepts:
An art director and muralist with over two decades of experience, Willy Gómez is known for merging Neo-traditional and Art Nouveau styles. His proposed design focuses on the theme of “Nature & Rhythm,” utilizing bold colors to depict the island’s coastal beauty and musical heritage.
This design collective brings a contemporary social lens to their work. Their concept, centered on “Everyday Life & Folklore,” features playful illustrations that highlight Dominican gastronomy, family life, and traditional folklore. An internationally recognized illustrator, Lena Tokens combines surrealism with natural elements. Her design theme, “Tradition & Identity,” incorporates the colors of the Dominican flag and features figures representing the nation’s creativity and rhythm.
The launch of this campaign underscores the strategic importance of the Dominican Republic to JetBlue’s network. Data provided in the announcement indicates that JetBlue expects to average more than 30 daily departures from the Dominican Republic by Spring 2026.
The airline currently operates service to four major airports in the country:
Recent network adjustments include the relaunch of service between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Santiago (STI), as well as new routes connecting Tampa (TPA) to Punta Cana (PUJ). Beyond flight operations, the airline highlighted its philanthropic footprint through the JetBlue Foundation, which supports local educational initiatives like the Mariposa DR Foundation and the DREAM Project.
While special liveries are a common marketing tool in aviation, JetBlue itself has previously released liveries for the Boston Celtics, the New York Jets, and the FDNY, dedicating an aircraft to a specific international destination is a distinct move. It signals a defensive strategy to solidify brand loyalty in a high-volume “Visiting Friends and Relatives” (VFR) market.
By involving the community in the design process, JetBlue is likely aiming to differentiate itself from competitors by positioning the brand not just as a transit provider, but as a cultural partner. This is particularly relevant as the airline continues to manage capacity and optimize its route network in the Caribbean region.
When does voting close? Which aircraft will feature the new design? When will the aircraft start flying? Who are the artists involved?
JetBlue Launches Public Vote for First-Ever Dominican Republic Livery
Campaign Details and Voting Process
The Contending Artists
Willy Gómez: Nature and Rhythm
Los Plebeyos: Everyday Life and Folklore
Lena Tokens: Tradition and Identity
Market Position and Operational Context
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Voting for the new livery closes on February 1, 2026.
The winning design will be painted on a JetBlue Airbus A320.
The aircraft is scheduled to debut in Spring 2026.
The three contending artists are Willy Gómez, the collective Los Plebeyos, and Lena Tokens.
Sources
Photo Credit: JetBlue
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