What caused today’s OTP delays for Bucharest flights?

Authorities cited widespread disruption at Bucharest Henri Coandă, but no single cause was confirmed. Typical drivers include winter weather, de-icing queues, air traffic control restrictions, ground handling backlogs and crew duty limits. Investors should watch for official post-mortems, which often arrive in operational updates within 24 to 72 hours.

Which airlines and routes were most affected?

Reports highlight impacts on Ryanair, Wizz Air and Lufthansa, with routes linking Bucharest to London, Paris and Milan facing the most pressure. Frequency and tight turnarounds amplify disruption on these corridors. Secondary European connections may also suffer knock-on delays as aircraft and crews miss their planned rotations.

How could this disruption affect airline financials?

One day of irregular operations usually has a modest revenue effect but can lift costs. Expect higher fuel burn, crew overtime, ground handling and customer-care expenses. If OTP delays repeat, airlines may add schedule buffers or reduce rotations, which can lower aircraft utilisation and margin efficiency across the wider network.

What should UK travellers do today?

Check flight status frequently, arrive early and keep all receipts for reasonable expenses if delayed. Use airline apps to rebook, and consider same-day alternatives if offered. Know your rights under UK and EU consumer rules. For tight connections, proactively request rerouting to protect your overall journey.

Global Market Insights

Bucharest Flights February 22: OTP Delays Disrupt Ryanair, Wizz Air

ByDanny Kontos February 22, 2026February 22, 2026

Bucharest flights are facing widespread disruption today, 22 February, after Henri Coandă (OTP) reported 68 delays and 1 cancellation. Routes to London, Paris and Milan are affected, pressuring on-time performance and aircraft utilisation. Carriers with Bucharest exposure, including Ryanair, Wizz Air and Lufthansa, could see higher same-day operating costs and schedule knock-ons across Europe. For UK investors, the London links matter for traffic, yields and brand perception. We break down what OTP delays mean for near-term revenue, costs and the key airline metrics to watch.