Big freeze disrupts travel across western Europe

A wave of freezing temperatures, snow and ice has caused widespread travel disruption across western Europe.

Hundreds of flights were cancelled at major airports, while rail and road transport services were also affected.

More than 700 flights were cancelled at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, prompting warnings of continued disruption.

France’s civil aviation authority ordered airlines to cut 40% of flights at Paris’s main international airport.

At least six people have died in weather-related incidents this week, including five in France and one in Bosnia.

Dutch airline KLM warned Schiphol was close to running out of de-icing fluid after days of freezing conditions.

This is an exceptional situation.

Stephan Donker said.

More than 1,000 travellers were forced to spend the night at Schiphol, with beds, food and drinks provided.

Over 100 flights were cancelled at Charles de Gaulle airport and dozens more at Orly.

Flights were also delayed or cancelled at Heathrow and Brussels airports.

Several Eurostar services between London and Paris were delayed or cancelled.

Nearly half of mainland France was placed on alert for snow and black ice, with lorries banned from some roads.

It’s better to be here than stuck on the road.

Carle Bruno said.

In Paris, rough sleepers said the cold left them with few options for shelter.

Snowfall transformed parts of the French capital into temporary attractions for residents and tourists.