Amsterdam, January 6 - On January 5, 2026, a KLM flight KL1003 scheduled to depart from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to London encountered severe operational challenges due to persistent winter weather conditions. The aircraft, registered PH-AXA, pushed back from the gate but faced extensive delays on the ground amid icy taxiways and reduced airport capacity. Flight tracking data revealed that the plane circled the airport's taxiways twice while awaiting clearance for takeoff, highlighting the treacherous surface conditions caused by ongoing snowfall and freezing temperatures.
The prolonged taxiing lasted nearly 150 minutes as ground crews worked to manage de-icing procedures and clear pathways amid strong winds and low visibility. Despite these efforts, the crew ultimately decided to return to the gate around 11:30 CET, leading to the official cancellation of the flight. This incident underscored the broader impact of the severe winter weather on Schiphol operations, where runway and taxiway maintenance became critically slowed, affecting departure sequences and overall airport throughput.
This KLM flight cancellation to London was part of a larger wave of disruptions at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, with the airline canceling over 300 flights that day alone. The weather system, characterized by wintry showers and unfavorable winds, had already forced hundreds of cancellations in preceding days, stranding numerous passengers traveling to key destinations, including London routes.
KLM advised affected travelers to check flight statuses regularly and utilize online tools for rebooking, emphasizing proactive measures to mitigate further inconvenience. As forecasts indicated continuing adverse conditions into January 6, the airline continued efforts to restore normal operations while prioritizing safety amid the challenging winter environment at Schiphol Airport.