AirHelp’s analysis suggests that February half-term is one of the most disruption-prone periods in the travel calendar, driven by a combination of high passenger volumes, tighter airline schedules, winter weather conditions and airport congestion.
UK families travelling during the February half-term face a higher risk of delays and cancellations than many expect, according to new analysis from AirHelp.co.uk
Reviewing flights departing the UK during last year’s school holiday week, the data shows that 20% of passengers travelling to popular ski destinations experienced disruption, with delays and cancellations affecting both short- and long-haul routes.
Among ski destinations, Spain saw the highest volume of passengers, despite a comparatively lower disruption rate of 20%. Canada experienced the highest level of disruption overall, at 24%, followed by Italy (23%) and France (22%), meaning roughly one in five flights to major European ski hubs was affected during the peak travel period.
More premium alpine destinations were not immune. Austria and Switzerland both recorded disruption rates of just over 20%, while nearly one in four passengers travelling to Canada (24%) were affected, highlighting the added pressures placed on long-haul winter travel.
Winter sun destinations during the same half-term period also saw notable disruption. The Dominican Republic recorded a disruption rate of 82%, followed by Portugal, where roughly one in three passengers (33%) experienced delays or cancellations. By comparison, the UAE, a consistently popular half-term destination, saw disruption levels of just 9%, well below its 2025 average of 29%.
AirHelp’s analysis suggests that February half-term is one of the most disruption-prone periods in the travel calendar, driven by a combination of high passenger volumes, tighter airline schedules, winter weather conditions and airport congestion.
The findings highlight the importance of families understanding their travel rights ahead of peak holiday periods, particularly when travelling during school holidays.
AirHelp is a consumer rights platform that tracks global flight disruption and helps travellers better understand their rights when journeys don’t go to plan. Having supported over three million passengers worldwide, it regularly shares data-led insights on travel trends.
