Staff at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport found a silver lining amid the chaos of a severe snowstorm that led to the cancellation of over 700 flights. Captured by passenger Mohammed Diagne, a lighthearted video showed airport employees taking a break from their duties to engage in playful snowball fights and enjoy the wintry weather on January 5.
Diagne, who was left waiting for news of his own flight cancellation, was surprised to discover a cheerful scene unfolding just outside. Dressed in bright orange and yellow jackets, the staff were seen running through the thick snow, with one employee playfully chasing another while dodging slips on the icy ground. Diagne initially intended to record a simple Instagram story about the snowfall but captured a “wholesome” moment instead.
While the snow brought joy to the employees, it also caused significant travel disruptions. Schiphol Airport announced on January 7 that persistent winter weather and heavy winds had resulted in more than 700 flight cancellations, primarily affecting European routes, with further cancellations expected. Passengers were advised to brace for delays as the storm continued its impact.
The adverse weather did not only affect air travel; over 1,000 passengers were reportedly stranded at the airport. To accommodate those affected, hundreds of makeshift beds were assembled, complete with pillows and blankets. In addition, employees worked diligently to clear runways and de-ice planes while offering food and beverages to the stranded travelers.
As extreme winter conditions gripped parts of Europe, other locations also experienced unusual weather-related events. In Paris, for instance, people took advantage of the thick snow to ski along the Seine, with iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre blanketed in white.
Despite the disruptions caused by the severe weather, the cheerful scenes at Schiphol Airport highlight the resilience and spirit of those affected, turning a challenging situation into moments of joy and camaraderie.