Heavy Snow Triggers 1,000km Traffic Jams and Flight Disruptions in Paris

Paris is known for its romance, café-lined streets and elegant boulevards, but on 5 Jan 2026, the City of Light was transformed into a winter gridlock nightmare after extreme cold weather and heavy snowfall swept across the region.

What followed was one of the worst transport disruptions Paris has seen in years, with traffic congestion reaching record-breaking levels and public transport grinding to a halt. For travellers, especially those unfamiliar with winter travel in Europe, it was a stark reminder that even well-connected cities can be brought to a standstill by nature.

Over 1,000 Kilometres of Traffic Jams Across Paris

By Monday evening’s rush hour, traffic congestion in and around Paris exceeded 1,000 kilometres, nearly four times the usual average. Roads were clogged well into the night, and it took hours before conditions began to ease.

Authorities enforced a mandatory speed limit of 80 km/h, but many drivers still struggled. Unlike colder European countries, most vehicles in the Paris region are not fitted with winter tyres, as winters here are typically mild, making the icy roads even more dangerous.

Public Transport Largely Paralysed

The snowfall didn’t just affect drivers; it also caused widespread public transport disruptions:

• All bus services operated by RATP were temporarily suspended

• RER and Transilien regional trains experienced major delays and service interruptions

For visitors staying outside central Paris, this made commuting extremely challenging.

Muslim-friendly travel note:

If you had plans to visit mosques such as the Grande Mosquée de Paris or halal dining spots across different arrondissements, travel times could have doubled, or plans needed to be postponed entirely.

Flight Reductions at Major Paris Airports

Air travellers weren’t spared either. Both Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly Airport saw flight schedules reduced by 15% until the evening.

The delays were mainly due to:

• Continuous runway snow clearing

• Aircraft de-icing operations, essential for flight safety in freezing conditions

Muslim traveller tip:

If flying during winter, keep halal snacks in your carry-on and allow extra buffer time for prayers at the airport. Flight disruptions can mean long waits before boarding or unexpected rescheduling.

Not Just Paris: Snow Hits Northwestern France Too

While Paris bore the brunt of the chaos, the icy conditions also affected northwestern France, including Normandy and Brittany, causing traffic issues across major road networks in those regions.

This had a knock-on effect for travellers moving between cities or heading towards coastal destinations.

A Rare Winter Wonderland Moment in Montmartre

Image credit: @pierre_suu l Getty Images ⁠⠀

Amid the chaos, Paris still managed to deliver an unforgettable moment. As snow blanketed the city, locals embraced the rare winter scenery, and one skier was even spotted skiing down the hills of Montmartre near the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

For travellers already in the city, it became an unexpected opportunity to see Paris in a way few ever do: quiet streets, snow-covered landmarks, and a magical (if inconvenient) winter atmosphere.

Final Thoughts for Muslim Travellers

Extreme winter weather like this is rare in Paris, but when it happens, it can significantly impact travel plans. For Muslim travellers visiting during colder months:

• Choose centrally located accommodation

• Factor in extra time for transport and prayers

• Keep flexible dining options in mind if reaching halal restaurants becomes difficult

• Embrace slower travel days as a chance to rest, reflect, and enjoy the moment

Paris may have slowed to a standstill, but for those prepared, it became a memorable chapter in their travel journey.

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Image credit: Hans Lucas via AFP and Reuters.