Hurricane Pia forces Amsterdam airport to cancel 200 flights, disrupts Nordic countries

Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam canceled up to 200 flights on Thursday, December 21, owing to Hurricane Pia. Furthermore, the meteorological institute (KNMI) has issued a yellow alert across the country due to strong wind gusts.

Unsettling news originating from the Dutch capital is disappointing travel enthusiasts. The cancelled flights include both arrivals and departures from Amsterdam's airport. "We are expecting wind gusts to reach up to 56 mph," notified the airport authorities. Therefore, takeoffs and landings on the Buitenveldert runway have been deemed impossible.

The management of the central hub also warns that the predicted strong wind might disrupt aircraft operations on the ground. "This might lead to further delays," the statement read. Schiphol advises travelers to stay updated with flight information vigilantly.

KNMI has forecasted heavy rainfall and strong winds throughout the Netherlands on Thursday. Hence, a yellow alert has been issued for the country. According to Weeronline, a weather news publishing site, the Netherlands will not experience a white Christmas this year. The longing for white snow will be replaced by rain. Strong wind gusts are also anticipated on coastal areas during Christmas.

Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are also gearing up for the arrival of Hurricane Pia. Ferries, trains, and planes are being cancelled in anticipation. The Danish meteorological services (DMI) are forecasting the wind speed to exceed 71 mph on Thursday afternoon and evening.

Hurricane Pia is initially anticipated to hit the northwest part of the Jutland Peninsula, before moving southwest. Regional flights have already been cancelled at airports in Denmark and Norway. The ferry operator DFDS has suspended services between Frederikshavn in Denmark and Oslo in Norway.