Janet Figley, who works at Selma B Floral Wholesale Ltd. in northwest Calgary, says the snowstorms in Europe that have hampered air travel have wreaked havoc on the floral business during one of their busiest times of year. (CBC)

Would-be vacationers aren't the only ones frustrated at the travel chaos that has gripped Europe amid heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures.

Shipments of flowers that were destined to adorn Calgary households are instead left wilting in the Netherlands, as cargo consignments are just as tied up as weary plane passengers.

The stalled shipments represent a big dent in one local business.

"Eighty per cent of our flowers we get here are from Holland, and due to the snow storms, this has caused great havoc," Janet Figley said Monday, standing by the empty shelves at a flower store in northwest Calgary called Selma B Floral Wholesale Ltd.

Figley said she can't recall this bad of a shipment delay since she began working in the floral business.

"With the airports closed in Europe, this prevents basically everyone in North America from receiving their flowers," she said.

Making matters worse, the flowers will be useless by the time they arrive, she said, adding that Christmas is one of their busiest times of the year.

"We've been here since 4 a.m. and we've been on the phone all day having to sadly tell everyone that their flowers won't be here for Christmas."

The delays and cancellations in Europe are expected to continue because of the bad winter weather.

Air Canada issued a travel advisory on flights to and from Europe.

The airline advised customers to check its website for flight status reports before heading to the airport.