Paris Flight Operations Face Significant Winter Disruptions
London, 9 February 2026 – Travellers heading to the French capital this week are facing a period of intense operational volatility. A combination of severe winter weather and technical emergencies has resulted in hundreds of cancellations and diversions across Paris’s primary aviation hubs. While new regional routes are being launched for the Valentine’s period, passengers are advised to check flight statuses frequently as carriers struggle with capacity strain and scheduling backlogs.
Widespread Delays and Emergency Diversions
The first week of February has proven challenging for Parisian aviation. On 7 February 2026, an easyJet flight (EZY52GV) travelling from Edinburgh to Paris Charles de Gaulle was forced to declare a mid-air emergency. The aircraft was diverted to Manchester Airport following a technical issue, leaving passengers to find alternative transport to France.
Furthermore, extreme weather conditions on 5 February and 7 February triggered a wave of disruptions. Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) recorded 219 delays and 18 cancellations in a single 24-hour period, while Paris-Orly (ORY) saw over 100 delayed flights. Major carriers, including Air France and KLM, have been forced to scrap multiple services across European hubs due to these persistent winter conditions.
Strategic Shifts: Transavia and New Regional Routes
Despite the current disruption, the Parisian flight market is undergoing structural changes. Air France has officially begun its withdrawal from certain domestic operations at Paris-Orly, with its low-cost subsidiary, Transavia, taking over the Nice–Paris Orly route for the 2026 season.
In more positive news for UK travellers, Cardiff Airport has launched special direct Air France services to Paris specifically for the Valentine’s Day weekend, providing a rare direct link from South Wales to the French capital.
Key Facts: Paris Aviation Overview
The following table outlines the primary infrastructure and current operational status for flights serving Paris as of February 2026.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary International Hub | Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) |
| Secondary International Hub | Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) |
| Flag Carrier | Air France |
| Recent Disruption Peak | 7 February 2026 (466 disruptions nationwide) |
| New Route Launch | Cardiff to Paris (Valentine’s Special) |
| Service Transition | Transavia assuming Air France Orly-Nice routes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport in Paris is currently experiencing the most delays?
Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) remains the most affected by recent weather-related disruptions, reporting significantly higher volumes of delays and cancellations compared to Paris-Orly.
Are there any new flight options from the UK to Paris?
Yes, Cardiff Airport has introduced direct flights to Paris operated by Air France for the February 2026 Valentine’s period. However, travellers from Scotland should note recent reliability issues with easyJet services following a high-profile diversion to Manchester.
Is Air France still flying from Paris-Orly?
Air France is currently transitioning many of its domestic Orly-based routes to its subsidiary, Transavia. Passengers booked on domestic French routes should verify which carrier is operating their flight as these changes take effect for the 2026 season.