Nearly 200 flights canceled at Schiphol Airport due to Storm Benjamin; European league matches affected
Travelers at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport faced widespread disruptions on Thursday as Storm Benjamin swept through the Netherlands, causing strong winds that led to flight cancellations and train delays. The impact of the storm also extended to the sports world, forcing organizers to adjust the schedules of European league matches in Rotterdam and Alkmaar.
By noon, about 91 departing flights had been canceled — most of them operated by KLM within Europe — especially those scheduled after 3 PM. Additionally, 125 morning flights experienced varying delays, while five additional afternoon flights were expected to take off late. Regarding incoming flights, 62 flights scheduled for Thursday were canceled, most of them in the afternoon and evening, along with 31 other flights that were supposed to arrive between midnight and noon on Friday. At least 74 flights were delayed by noon.
Eurocontrol, the European body responsible for coordinating air traffic, confirmed that flights to Amsterdam are facing operational capacity restrictions. The agency warned that Storm Benjamin could bring "very strong winds" to the Benelux region, as well as the UK, France, and Germany, and its effects may extend to northeastern Spain and the western Mediterranean. Schiphol Airport warned passengers, saying: "Due to the strong winds caused by Storm Benjamin, flights will be delayed or canceled starting from 6 PM. Please plan carefully and take the weather conditions into account."
Dutch railway services have prepared for major disruptions. ProRail and train operators urged passengers to monitor weather reports and leave their locations early if possible. Emergency teams have been deployed to assist stranded trains, while maintenance teams are on standby to deal with fallen trees or damage that may affect the tracks. Maintenance work may be halted in areas such as Lelystad, Ede-Wageningen, and Schiedam, and between Haarlem and Amsterdam Sloterdijk if wind speeds exceed safe limits.
The storm's impact also extended to major sporting events. In Rotterdam, the match between Feyenoord and the Greek team Panathinaikos in the Europa League was rescheduled twice — first from 6:45 PM to 4:30 PM, and then postponed again to 9 PM. In Alkmaar, the match of AZ Alkmaar against Slovan Bratislava was moved to start at 6:45 PM instead of 9 PM. Authorities warned that Storm Benjamin would continue until Friday morning, urging travelers and fans to exercise caution and stay safe as strong winds continue to sweep across the country.