Snow disrupts travel across the Netherlands, over 500 flights affected at Schiphol

Snow has disrupted travel across the Netherlands Saturday, affecting more than 500 flights at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, delaying trains on multiple NS International and domestic routes, and creating dangerously slippery conditions on highways nationwide.

At Schiphol, 128 departures were canceled and 75 delayed, while 136 arrivals were canceled and 163 delayed. A spokesperson said the situation is similar to Friday, when heavy snow and strong winds caused major disruptions. “It remains a disrupted day,” the spokesperson said.

Travelers were warned in advance and the airport hopes conditions will improve later in the morning so more flights can depart in the afternoon. “The weather is unpredictable. We will know more by the afternoon,” the spokesperson added.

At Eindhoven Airport, officials cautioned that winter weather could affect operations, though no delays or cancellations have been reported so far. At Rotterdam The Hague Airport, the first six departures left with an average delay of 60 minutes, while only one arrival was expected to be delayed.

Hazardous road conditions have already led to several accidents. On the A6 near Almere, a car slid into a ditch; the driver was uninjured. On the N377 near Dedemsvaart, a truck partially left the road and ended up in a ditch. Another truck on the N305 near Zeewolde also went off the road; the driver was taken to a hospital, though the extent of injuries is unknown.

In Emmen, a car overturned in a shallow curve, but both occupants escaped injury. Early Saturday, two vehicles collided on the A28 near Eelde, temporarily closing the highway toward Assen.

Rijkswaterstaat reported that freezing wet roads have created hazardous conditions nationwide. “Because there is less traffic on the highways during the Christmas holidays, the risk of slippery conditions is higher,” the agency said. Since 7 a.m., crews have spread 8,613,489 kilos of salt on major highways to prevent accidents.

Rail travel has also been affected. NS International and domestic trains are running with delays and reduced service. Intercity trains between Eindhoven Centraal and Sittard are operating less frequently, with delays of up to 15 minutes expected. Travelers are being urged to check schedules before departure.