Travel Chaos Engulfs China’s Skies Amid 554 Delays and 58 Cancellations Across Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and More on Disrupting Flights Across Shenzen, Xiamen, Shanghai Airline and More.
Published on
November 19, 2025
In a wave of flight disruptions, travellers across China have faced significant delays and cancellations, leaving many stranded at airports. Major airlines, including Air China, Xiamen Airlines, China Eastern, and others, are grappling with severe operational challenges. With over 100 delays and more than 40 cancellations, passengers are feeling the brunt of these disruptions, which are affecting key destinations like Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, and Xiamen.
The ongoing travel turmoil is caused by a combination of factors, including weather disruptions, air traffic control issues, and technical problems. As a result, flights from Air China, Xiamen Airlines, China Eastern, and other national carriers have been cancelled or delayed, adding to the frustrations of countless travellers. The disruptions have spanned multiple Chinese airports, including Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International, and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, creating chaos during peak travel times.
List of all cancellations:
- Air China – 21 cancellations, 99 delays
- Xiamen Airlines – 19 cancellations, 76 delays
- China Eastern Airlines – 7 cancellations, 127 delays
- China Express Airlines – 5 cancellations, 24 delays
- Shenzhen Airlines – 1 cancellation, 90 delays
- Shanghai Airlines – 1 cancellation, 28 delays
- China Southern Airlines – 2 cancellations, 81 delays
- Chengdu Airlines – 2 cancellations, 29 delays
Air China Leads with 21 Cancellations and 99 Delays
Air China has reported the highest number of disruptions among Chinese carriers, with 21 cancellations and 99 delays across its domestic and international network. The airline, one of China’s largest and most prominent, has struggled to meet the demands of its passengers as delays stretched into hours. Affected routes include flights departing from major hubs such as Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai.
While the airline has yet to provide an official explanation for the extent of the disruption, government sources point to ongoing operational and technical difficulties, exacerbated by high passenger volumes during the festive period.
Air China Airline Cancelled Flights:
IdentTypeOriginDestinationScheduled Departure TimeCCA4598A319Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int’l (HGH/ZSHC)Chengdu Shuangliu Int’l (CTU/ZUUU)Tue 08:15PM CSTCCA1410B738Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG/ZUCK)Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Tue 08:25PM CSTCCA1845B737Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Hefei Xinqiao Airport (HFE/ZSOF)Tue 08:45PM CSTCCA8216A320Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Wuhan Tianhe (WU/ZZHH)Tue 09:15PM CSTCCA1510A333Shanghai Hongqiao Int’l (SHA/ZSSS)Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Tue 09:40PM CSTCCA8654B738Yinchuan Helanshan (INC/ZLIC)Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX/ZBAD)Tue 09:45PM CSTCCA1566A333Shanghai Hongqiao Int’l (SHA/ZSSS)Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Tue 10:40PM CSTCCA1701A320Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int’l (HGH/ZSHC)Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Wed 07:10AM CSTCCA2521A319Chengdu Tianfu Int’l (TFU/ZUTF)Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Wed 07:15AM CSTCCA2767A320Chengdu Tianfu Int’l (TFU/ZUTF)Korla (KRL/ZWKL)Wed 07:50AM CSTCCA8201A320Wuhan Tianhe (WU/ZZHH)Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Wed 08:00AM CSTCCA1431B738Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG/ZUCK)Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Wed 08:10AM CSTCCA1839B738Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Wed 08:40AM CSTCCA1846B737Hefei Xinqiao Airport (HFE/ZSOF)Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Wed 09:25AM CSTCCA1367B789Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX/ZGSZ)Wed 09:50AM CSTCCA1430B738Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l (CAN/ZGGG)Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Wed 10:10AM CSTCCA1429B738Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Chengdu Tianfu Int’l (TFU/ZUTF)Wed 10:40AM CSTCCA1710A320Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Chengdu Tianfu Int’l (TFU/ZUTF)Wed 11:00AM CST
Xiamen Airlines Sees 19 Cancellations and 76 Delays
Xiamen Airlines has not been immune to the chaos, with 19 cancellations and 76 delays recorded over the past few days. The disruptions primarily impacted flights traveling to and from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, a key hub for the airline. Routes between Xiamen and major cities such as Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai have been particularly affected, frustrating both leisure and business travellers alike.
Xiamen Airlines has promised to do its best to accommodate passengers, offering rebooking options and refunds for those severely impacted by the cancellations. Passengers are advised to check the airline’s website or contact customer service for the latest updates.
Xiamen Airline Cancelled Flights:
IdentTypeOriginDestinationScheduled Departure TimeCXA8503B738Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int’l (HGH/ZSHC)Qingdao Jiaodong Int’l (TAO/ZSQD)Tue 07:25PM CSTCXA8064B738Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF)Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX/ZGSZ)Tue 07:50PM CSTCXA1810B738Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF)Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX/ZBAD)Tue 08:10PM CSTCXA8066B738Qingdao Jiaodong Int’l (TAO/ZSQD)Quanzhou Jinjiang (JJN/ZSZO)Tue 09:05PM CSTCXA1812B38MBeijing Daxing International Airport (PKX/ZBAD)Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF)Tue 09:10PM CSTCXA8440B738Guiyang Longdongbao (KWE/ZGCC)Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF)Tue 09:10PM CSTCXA8137B738Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF)Tianjin Binhai Int’l (TSN/ZBTJ)Tue 09:15PM CSTCXA8504B738Qingdao Jiaodong Int’l (TAO/ZSQD)Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int’l (HGH/ZSHC)Tue 10:15PM CSTCXA8063B738Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX/ZGSZ)Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF)Wed 06:40AM CSTCXA8229B738Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int’l (HGH/ZSHC)Tianjin Binhai Int’l (TSN/ZBTJ)Wed 07:45AM CSTCXA1818B738Tianjin Binhai Int’l (TSN/ZBTJ)Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF)Wed 08:15AM CSTCXA8067B738Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF)Nantong (NTG/ZSNT)Wed 08:30AM CSTCXA8786B738Dalian Zhoushuizi Int’l (DLC/ZYTL)Yuncheng (YCU/ZBYC)Wed 09:10AM CSTCXA8786B738Nantong (NTG/ZSNT)Yuncheng (YCU/ZBYC)Wed 10:10AM CSTCXA8519B738Xiamen Gaoqi Int’l (XMN/ZSWY)Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF)Wed 11:05AM CSTCXA8616A21NYuncheng (YCU/ZBYC)Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF)Wed 01:05PM CSTCXA8507B738Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF)Changchun Longjia Int’l (CGQ/ZYCC)Wed 02:40PM CST
China Eastern and China Express Airlines Also Grapple with Significant Disruptions
China Eastern Airlines, another major player in the Chinese aviation industry, has also faced major setbacks, with 7 cancellations and 127 delays reported. These disruptions primarily impacted flights from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, a crucial hub for the airline’s international and domestic network.
Similarly, China Express Airlines, a regional carrier, has been hit with 5 cancellations and 24 delays, disrupting travel plans for many passengers in smaller cities. While the disruptions were less widespread than those seen with larger carriers, they still affected critical regional connections and smaller airports.
China Eastern Cancelled Flights :
IdentTypeOriginDestinationScheduled Departure TimeCES9662A320Wenzhou Int’l (WNZ/ZSWZ)Kunming Changshui Int’l (KMG/ZPPP)Tue 08:05PM CSTCES2407B733Shanghai Hongqiao Int’l (SHA/ZSSS)Taiyuan Wusu (TYN/ZBYN)Tue 10:40PM CSTCES2725A20NNanjing Lukou Int’l (NKG/ZSNJ)Kunming Changshui Int’l (KMG/ZPPP)Wed 01:10PM CSTCES2297A319Xi’an Xianyang Int’l (XIV/ZLXY)Kunming Changshui Int’l (KMG/ZPPP)Wed 01:50PM CSTCES2298A319Dalian Zhoushuizi Int’l (DLC/ZYTL)Xi’an Xianyang Int’l (XIV/ZLXY)Wed 05:25PM CSTCES2766A20NKunming Changshui Int’l (KMG/ZPPP)Nanjing Lukou Int’l (NKG/ZSNJ)Wed 05:30PM CSTCES2745A20NNanjing Lukou Int’l (NKG/ZSNJ)Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF)Wed 07:05PM CSTCES5905737Kunming Changshui Int’l (KMG/ZPPP)Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG/ZUCK)Wed 08:40PM CSTCES2836A20NChongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG/ZUCK)Kunming Changshui Int’l (KMG/ZPPP)Wed 10:40PM CSTCES5906737Xishuangbanna Gasa (JHG/ZPJH)Nanjing Lukou Int’l (NKG/ZSNJ)Thu 08:10AM CSTCES588573MKunming Changshui Int’l (KMG/ZPPP)Nanjing Lukou Int’l (NKG/ZSNJ)Fri 06:45AM CSTCES5989737Kunming Changshui Int’l (KMG/ZPPP)Tianjin Binhai Int’l (TSN/ZBTJ)Fri 07:25AM CSTCES2795A32Nanjing Lukou Int’l (NKG/ZSNJ)Xi’an Xianyang Int’l (XIV/ZLXY)Fri 08:50AM CSTCES2796A321
China Express Cancelled Flights:
IdentTypeOriginDestinationScheduled Departure TimeHXA4933909Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG/ZUCK)Jingzhou Shashi Airport (SHS/ZHZJ)Wed 08:30AM CSTHXA4933909Jingzhou Shashi Airport (SHS/ZHZJ)Huangyan Luqiao (HYN/ZSLO)Wed 10:30AM CSTHXA4957CRJ9Hohhot Baita Int’l (HET/ZBHH)Alxa Left Banner Bayanhot Airport (AXF/ZBAL)Wed 11:40AM CSTHXA4934909Huangyan Luqiao (HYN/ZSLO)Jingzhou Shashi Airport (SHS/ZHZJ)Wed 12:50PM CSTHXA2664CRJ9Manzhouli Xijiao Airport (NZH/TBMZ)Hohhot Baita Int’l (HET/ZBHH)Wed 01:00PM CSTHXA4958CRJ9Alxa Left Banner Bayanhot Airport (AXF/ZBAL)Hohhot Baita Int’l (HET/ZBHH)Wed 01:45PM CSTHXA4934909Jingzhou Shashi Airport (SHS/ZHZJ)Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG/ZUCK)Wed 03:30PM CSTHXA4784CRJ9Hohhot Baita Int’l (HET/ZBHH)Luoyang (LYA/ZHLY)Wed 03:55PM CSTHXA4009909Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG/ZUCK)Dongying Shengli (DOY/ZSDY)Wed 04:15PM CSTHXA4784CRJ9Luoyang (LYA/ZHLY)Guiyang Longdongbao (KWE/ZUGY)Wed 05:55PM CSTHXA4010909Dongying Shengli (DOY/ZSDY)Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG/ZUCK)Wed 07:40PM CSTHXA4783CRJ9Guiyang Longdongbao (KWE/ZUGY)Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG/ZUCK)Wed 08:15PM CSTHXA4783CRJ9Luoyang (LYA/ZHLY)Hohhot Baita Int’l (HET/ZBHH)Wed 08:55PM CST
Shenzen Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, and Chengdu Airlines Face Their Own Challenges
Shenzen Airlines reported 1 cancellation and 90 delays, mostly impacting flights from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport. While the number of cancellations was relatively low compared to other carriers, the airline still saw significant delays, leading to long wait times for passengers.
Shanghai Airlines and Chengdu Airlines have also been affected, with 1 cancellation and 28 delays reported for Shanghai Airlines, and 2 cancellations and 29 delays for Chengdu Airlines. The disruptions impacted key routes between Shanghai and Beijing, as well as Chengdu and major cities in southern China.
Shenzen Airline Cancelled Flights:
IdentTypeOriginDestinationScheduled Departure TimeCS29607A320Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX/ZGSZ)Shenyang Taoxian Int’l (SHE/ZYTX)Tue 08:10PM CSTCS28665B738Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX/ZGSZ)Nantong (NTG/ZSNT)Tue 08:20PM CSTCS29917A320Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX/ZGSZ)Qingdao Jiaodong Int’l (TAO/ZSQD)Wed 01:35PM CSTCS28431A320Chengdu Tianfu Int’l (TFU/ZUTF)Lanzhou Zhongchuan International (LHW/ZLLL)Wed 03:00PM CSTCS29918A320Qingdao Jiaodong Int’l (TAO/ZSQD)Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX/ZGSZ)Wed 06:00PM CST
Passengers Urged to Stay Updated on Flight Status
With so many cancellations and delays, Chinese airports and airlines are urging passengers to stay updated on the status of their flights. Passengers are advised to regularly check with airlines and airport websites for real-time flight updates. Additionally, those affected by delays or cancellations are encouraged to reach out to customer service to explore rebooking options or apply for compensation.
Looking Forward: Airline Industry Faces a Long Road to Recovery
As the travel industry faces an uphill battle to regain normalcy, airlines are taking measures to improve their operations and customer service. Increased demand and weather-related disruptions have made it more difficult for airlines to operate at full capacity. The government is working closely with major airlines to improve infrastructure and reduce the occurrence of such disruptions in the future.
In the meantime, passengers are advised to plan ahead and prepare for potential delays when travelling to or from major Chinese airports. With China’s aviation industry recovering from the pandemic, airlines are facing significant challenges in maintaining smooth operations amidst increased passenger volumes.
Conclusion: A Test for Chinese Airlines
The recent flight disruptions serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Chinese aviation industry. With airlines like Air China, Xiamen Airlines, and China Eastern at the forefront of these cancellations and delays, passengers have been left to navigate the uncertainty. While airlines are doing their best to mitigate the impact, travellers are urged to be prepared for ongoing disruptions. As the industry moves forward, the focus remains on improving operational efficiency and enhancing customer service to avoid similar situations in the future.
