Major Flight Disruptions Across China as Over 50 Cancellations Hit Major Airports

China has witnessed a surge in aviation disruptions this week, with over 50 flight cancellations reported across major airports including Xi’an, Kunming, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou. The cancellations affected both domestic routes to cities such as Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, as well as international flights to destinations including Hanoi, Taiwan and Vietnam. These widespread disruptions have caused significant inconvenience for passengers across the region.

Widespread Cancellations Across China

Below is a snapshot of the key cancelled flights across major Chinese airports:

Airport | Flight Ident | Aircraft | Destination | Departure Time
Xi’an | CES2435 | A320 | Korla | Sun 08:55 AM
Xi’an | CES867 | A320 | Hanoi | Fri 05:20 PM
Kunming | HXA2794 | A320 | Yan’an | Fri 11:30 AM
Kunming | CES5983 | 737 | Baoshan | Thu 10:10 PM
Kunming | CES5802 | 737 | Cangyuan | Thu 05:05 PM
Chongqing | HXA4684 | A320 | Aksu | Thu/Fri 08:25/08:30 PM
Chongqing | CCA1440 | A330 | Beijing | Thu/Fri 06:15 PM
Chongqing | CSN3456 | A321 | Shenzhen | Thu 03:35 PM
Hangzhou | CCA1721 | A321 | Beijing | Fri 05:00 PM
Hangzhou | CCA1733 | A319 | Shenzhen | Fri 03:20 PM
Hangzhou | CCA1793 | A321 | Guangzhou | Fri 01:55 PM
Chengdu | CCA1402 | A321 | Beijing | Fri 08:30 PM
Chengdu | CCA4525 | A319 | Nanjing | Fri 06:55 PM
Chengdu | CCA1748 | A321 | Hangzhou | Fri 02:05 PM
Shanghai | CES5525 | A320 | Altay | Fri 10:00 AM
Shanghai | CCA8593 | A359 | Chengdu | Fri 08:20 AM
Beijing | CCA4184 | A332 | Chengdu | Sat 09:00 AM
Beijing | CCA1730 | A321 | Hangzhou | Fri 08:35 PM
Guangzhou | CAL5894 | B744 | Taiwan | Sat 04:20 AM
Guangzhou | CCA1794 | A321 | Hangzhou | Fri 06:05 PM

Total Cancellations: 50+

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport

Xi’an witnessed two major cancellations: CES2435 to Korla and CES867 to Hanoi. The disruptions affected both regional and international travellers, with many stranded during peak weekend travel.

Kunming Changshui International Airport

Kunming faced several cancellations on regional flights, including services to Yan’an, Baoshan and Cangyuan Washan. These routes often serve connecting travellers, amplifying the impact on ongoing journeys.

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

Chongqing experienced multiple cancellations on flights bound for Aksu, Beijing and Shenzhen. The repeated cancellations across consecutive days created logistical challenges for passengers trying to rebook onto alternative flights.

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport

Flights from Hangzhou to Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou were among the most disrupted. The airport also saw additional cancellations affecting travel to Chengdu and Guiyang.

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

Chengdu, a major transportation hub, reported disruptions on routes to Beijing, Nanjing and Hangzhou. Additional cancellations affected flights to western and central Chinese cities, adding to passenger frustrations.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Shanghai’s major international hub experienced cancellations to Altay and Chengdu, affecting both domestic and international travel flows.

Beijing Capital International Airport

Beijing recorded cancellations on key routes to Chengdu, Hangzhou and Guangzhou, continuing a trend of week-long disruptions across major carriers.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Cancellations at Guangzhou included CAL5894 to Taiwan Taoyuan and CCA1794 to Hangzhou. Combined with issues at Shenzhen, southern China saw notable travel interruptions.

Why So Many Cancellations?

While official statements remain limited, factors likely include operational constraints, weather-related complications and air traffic management issues. China's dense aviation networks often face cascading delays when sudden disruptions occur.

What Travellers Should Do

Passengers affected by cancellations should stay in contact with their airline for rebooking instructions, compensation policies and updated schedules. Many carriers offer rebooking at no additional cost, while some may provide accommodation or meal support depending on the duration of delays.

Conclusion

The extensive wave of cancelled departures in China reflects ongoing vulnerabilities within global aviation operations. As major Chinese airports continue to navigate congestion and operational pressures, passengers should remain aware, informed and prepared for sudden schedule changes. With more than 50 cancellations already reported, disruptions may continue over the coming days.