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Travel disruption briefing
Travel news · 7 min read · Monday January 5th, 2026, 7:30am

Travel disruption briefing: Greece, UK snow and Caribbean flights

If you are flying in the next few days, there are three disruptions to check before you travel: disruption to Greek airspace from Sunday still affecting flights on Monday; snow and ice warnings in the UK, including an Amber alert at Aberdeen; and Caribbean flight disruption linked to the US invasion of Venezuela.

First things first – disruption rarely plays out in a neat, predictable way. Even when a restriction ends or the weather improves, aircraft and crew may be out of position, which can trigger knock-on delays for a day or two afterwards. The aim is to stay informed, keep your options open, and protect any onward plans.

What to do now

  • Check your flight status directly with your airline before travelling and enable app notifications.
  • Do not assume "no message" means "all good" – proactively check your booking and your departure airport's live departures page.
  • Pack to reduce stress: if possible, travel with hand luggage only. Always keep medication, chargers, and essentials with you.
  • Build slack into onward plans such as parking exit times, rail tickets, or hotel check-ins.

Preparing for disruptions

  • Skip the early morning drive to the airport through the snow and ice and by booking an airport hotel with parkingthe night before you fly
  • Make sure you're covered for unexpected changes to your travel plans with Holiday Extras travel insurance
  • Change your extras if your plans change - Flextras offers the most flexible terms for all your extras

Known disruption to watch

1) Greek airspace closure and knock-on disruption

Authorities in Greece reported a significant air traffic communications issue on Sunday that led to flights being halted and widespread disruption. Services have resumed on Monday, but delays are ongoing as schedules rebuild and aircraft reposition.

  • If you are flying to or from Greece: check whether your flight is operating before you leave home, and arrive at the airport at your airline's usual recommended time.
  • If you are connecting via Athens: allow extra time for connections, and consider switching to a longer connection if your airline offers a free change.
  • Watch for ripple effects: later rotations can be hit even if your departure looks fine in the morning.

2) Snow and ice in the UK over the coming week

Snow and ice warnings increase the likelihood of slower road and rail journeys to airports, de-icing delays, and occasional short-notice cancellations during peak periods of wintry weather. As of Monday morning there is an Amber alert at Aberdeen airport and much of the Scottish Highlands.

  • Set off earlier for the airport: surface travel can be the weak link during ice and snowfall.
  • Expect de-icing time: departures may be delayed even when runways remain open.
  • Go light if you can: hand luggage only makes rerouting and rebooking easier if disruption escalates.

3) Caribbean disruptions due to the US invasion of Venezuela

Airlines have reported cancellations and reroutes across parts of the Caribbean linked to safety restrictions and advisories affecting routes near Venezuelan airspace. As of Monday morning restrictions have been lifted, but some passengers are still held up at Caribbean airports as schedules adjust and planes are re-routed, so please check before setting off.

  • If you are flying to the Caribbean: check both your airline and your route. Rerouting can change flight times and connections.
  • Allow buffer on onward plans: avoid tight same-day cruise embarkations, domestic connections, or last-train home assumptions.
  • Travel insurance and receipts: keep documentation if you incur extra costs, and follow your airline's guidance on what to do next.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to care, rerouting, or a refund under UK261/EU261 passenger rights.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled

  • Contact your airline first – they are responsible for rerouting, refunds, and care.
  • Keep receipts for food, transport, or accommodation if advised by your airline.
  • Separate tickets: if you booked legs independently, missed connections are not protected.

Changing plans with Holiday Extras

If your travel plans change, you can amend or cancel your Holiday Extras booking online. Customers with Flextras can usually cancel for a voucher and rebook once new travel details are confirmed.

Customers already abroad

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