Storm Bella has been battering the British Isles, France, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands since Christmas Day. As a result, the windstorm has caused considerable disruption to operators serving these regions.

Harsh conditions

The storm was rife in the UK yesterday, with millions waking up to the considerable impact across the country. It continues to sweep through nations across Europe and is causing significant disruption to travel. For instance, there were notable delays to the resolution of the crisis at the Port of Dover where lorry drivers have been trying to cross the English Channel. Trucks were seen queuing after the winds forced crossings to be halted overnight.

It is across the channel that the storm is causing its most recent destruction. Reuters reports that over 10,000 houses in north-western France have been without electricity today due to the storm. There are winds of up to 120 km/h on the coast of the country. 6,000 homes in Normandy and approximately 4,000 in Brittany lost power.

Forcing diversions

It's not just life and travel on the ground that is being shaken up due to the winds. According to FlightRadar24.com, they have forced several flights bound for Paris to divert to cities in the Netherlands and Germany.

Flight number CA571, conducted by an Air China Boeing 787 was supposed to land in Paris from Beijing earlier today but ended up at Frankfurt am Main in the early afternoon. Nonetheless, the passengers finally ended up at Charles de Gaulle at 17:13.

Air China Boeing 787-9
An Air China 787 with the Star Alliance emblem located near the cockpit windows. Photo: Getty Images

Another Air China 787 operation, flight number CA625 was also flying to Charles de Gaulle, but from Shanghai. However, it was diverted to Munich International and landed at the German hub at 12:32. The flight took off again at 16:31 to land in Paris at 17:55.

Aeroflot's flight SU2454 left Moscow's Sheremetyevo International for the capital of France at 09:40. Instead of finishing its journey in Paris, The Airbus A321 landed at Amsterdam Schiphol at 12:44. The flight then left the city at 17:27 to land at its intended destination at 18:27. All times are local.

airbus a321
Like several of today's flights to Paris, Aeroflot's A321 had to land in a different country. Photo: Getty Images
Aeroflot is planning to use Airbus A321s on routes to Tehran and Bishkek and Osh in Kyrgyzstan.

A tough climate overall

There may well have been many more diversions this week under previous industry conditions. However, the global health crisis has forced several carriers to cut back their services this year. Nonetheless, those flying on these diverted flights would have been frustrated with the situation.

Thankfully, the flights have eventually been making their way to their intended destinations safely. Under these circumstances, extra care needs to be taken by airlines and their staff. The European windstorm season is still ongoing. So, there could be further delays and cancellations still to come heading into the new year.

What are your thoughts about the impact that Storm Bella is having on travel in Europe? Have the winds disrupted your travel plans this weekend? Let us know what you think of the situation in the comment section.