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:
| Ident | Type | Origin | Destination | Scheduled Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCA4598 | A319 | Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int’l (HGH/ZSHC) | Chengdu Shuangliu Int’l (CTU/ZUUU) | Tue 08:15PM CST |
| CCA1410 | B738 | Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG/ZUCK) | Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA) | Tue 08:25PM CST |
| CCA1845 | B737 | Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA) | Hefei Xinqiao Airport (HFE/ZSOF) | Tue 08:45PM CST |
| CCA8216 | A320 | Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA) | Wuhan Tianhe (WU/ZZHH) | Tue 09:15PM CST |
| CCA1510 | A333 | Shanghai Hongqiao Int’l (SHA/ZSSS) | Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA) | Tue 09:40PM CST |
| CCA8654 | B738 | Yinchuan Helanshan (INC/ZLIC) | Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX/ZBAD) | Tue 09:45PM CST |
| CCA1566 | A333 | Shanghai Hongqiao Int’l (SHA/ZSSS) | Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA) | Tue 10:40PM CST |
| CCA1701 | A320 | Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int’l (HGH/ZSHC) | Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA) | Wed 07:10AM CST |
| CCA2521 | A319 | Chengdu Tianfu Int’l (TFU/ZUTF) | Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA) | Wed 07:15AM CST |
| CCA2767 | A320 | Chengdu Tianfu Int’l (TFU/ZUTF) | Korla (KRL/ZWKL) | Wed 07:50AM CST |
| CCA8201 | A320 | Wuhan Tianhe (WU/ZZHH) | Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA) | Wed 08:00AM CST |
| CCA1431 | B738 | Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG/ZUCK) | Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA) | Wed 08:10AM CST |
| CCA1839 | B738 | Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA) | Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA) | Wed 08:40AM CST |
| CCA1846 | B737 | Hefei Xinqiao Airport (HFE/ZSOF) | Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA) | Wed 09:25AM CST |
| CCA1367 | B789 | Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA) | Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX/ZGSZ) | Wed 09:50AM CST |
| CCA1430 | B738 | Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l (CAN/ZGGG) | Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA) | Wed 10:10AM CST |
| CCA1429 | B738 | Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA) | Chengdu Tianfu Int’l (TFU/ZUTF) | Wed 10:40AM CST |
| CCA1710 | A320 | Beijing 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:
| Ident | Type | Origin | Destination | Scheduled Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CXA8503 | B738 | Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int’l (HGH/ZSHC) | Qingdao Jiaodong Int’l (TAO/ZSQD) | Tue 07:25PM CST |
| CXA8064 | B738 | Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF) | Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX/ZGSZ) | Tue 07:50PM CST |
| CXA1810 | B738 | Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF) | Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX/ZBAD) | Tue 08:10PM CST |
| CXA8066 | B738 | Qingdao Jiaodong Int’l (TAO/ZSQD) | Quanzhou Jinjiang (JJN/ZSZO) | Tue 09:05PM CST |
| CXA1812 | B38M | Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX/ZBAD) | Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF) | Tue 09:10PM CST |
| CXA8440 | B738 | Guiyang Longdongbao (KWE/ZGCC) | Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF) | Tue 09:10PM CST |
| CXA8137 | B738 | Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF) | Tianjin Binhai Int’l (TSN/ZBTJ) | Tue 09:15PM CST |
| CXA8504 | B738 | Qingdao Jiaodong Int’l (TAO/ZSQD) | Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int’l (HGH/ZSHC) | Tue 10:15PM CST |
| CXA8063 | B738 | Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX/ZGSZ) | Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF) | Wed 06:40AM CST |
| CXA8229 | B738 | Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int’l (HGH/ZSHC) | Tianjin Binhai Int’l (TSN/ZBTJ) | Wed 07:45AM CST |
| CXA1818 | B738 | Tianjin Binhai Int’l (TSN/ZBTJ) | Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF) | Wed 08:15AM CST |
| CXA8067 | B738 | Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF) | Nantong (NTG/ZSNT) | Wed 08:30AM CST |
| CXA8786 | B738 | Dalian Zhoushuizi Int’l (DLC/ZYTL) | Yuncheng (YCU/ZBYC) | Wed 09:10AM CST |
| CXA8786 | B738 | Nantong (NTG/ZSNT) | Yuncheng (YCU/ZBYC) | Wed 10:10AM CST |
| CXA8519 | B738 | Xiamen Gaoqi Int’l (XMN/ZSWY) | Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF) | Wed 11:05AM CST |
| CXA8616 | A21N | Yuncheng (YCU/ZBYC) | Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF) | Wed 01:05PM CST |
| CXA8507 | B738 | Fuzhou 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 :
| Ident | Type | Origin | Destination | Scheduled Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CES9662 | A320 | Wenzhou Int’l (WNZ/ZSWZ) | Kunming Changshui Int’l (KMG/ZPPP) | Tue 08:05PM CST |
| CES2407 | B733 | Shanghai Hongqiao Int’l (SHA/ZSSS) | Taiyuan Wusu (TYN/ZBYN) | Tue 10:40PM CST |
| CES2725 | A20N | Nanjing Lukou Int’l (NKG/ZSNJ) | Kunming Changshui Int’l (KMG/ZPPP) | Wed 01:10PM CST |
| CES2297 | A319 | Xi’an Xianyang Int’l (XIV/ZLXY) | Kunming Changshui Int’l (KMG/ZPPP) | Wed 01:50PM CST |
| CES2298 | A319 | Dalian Zhoushuizi Int’l (DLC/ZYTL) | Xi’an Xianyang Int’l (XIV/ZLXY) | Wed 05:25PM CST |
| CES2766 | A20N | Kunming Changshui Int’l (KMG/ZPPP) | Nanjing Lukou Int’l (NKG/ZSNJ) | Wed 05:30PM CST |
| CES2745 | A20N | Nanjing Lukou Int’l (NKG/ZSNJ) | Fuzhou Changle Int’l (FOC/ZSZF) | Wed 07:05PM CST |
| CES5905 | 737 | Kunming Changshui Int’l (KMG/ZPPP) | Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG/ZUCK) | Wed 08:40PM CST |
| CES2836 | A20N | Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG/ZUCK) | Kunming Changshui Int’l (KMG/ZPPP) | Wed 10:40PM CST |
| CES5906 | 737 | Xishuangbanna Gasa (JHG/ZPJH) | Nanjing Lukou Int’l (NKG/ZSNJ) | Thu 08:10AM CST |
| CES5885 | 73M | Kunming Changshui Int’l (KMG/ZPPP) | Nanjing Lukou Int’l (NKG/ZSNJ) | Fri 06:45AM CST |
| CES5989 | 737 | Kunming Changshui Int’l (KMG/ZPPP) | Tianjin Binhai Int’l (TSN/ZBTJ) | Fri 07:25AM CST |
| CES2795 | A32 | Nanjing Lukou Int’l (NKG/ZSNJ) | Xi’an Xianyang Int’l (XIV/ZLXY) | Fri 08:50AM CST |
| CES2796 | A321 |
China Express Cancelled Flights:
| Ident | Type | Origin | Destination | Scheduled Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HXA4933 | 909 | Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG/ZUCK) | Jingzhou Shashi Airport (SHS/ZHZJ) | Wed 08:30AM CST |
| HXA4933 | 909 | Jingzhou Shashi Airport (SHS/ZHZJ) | Huangyan Luqiao (HYN/ZSLO) | Wed 10:30AM CST |
| HXA4957 | CRJ9 | Hohhot Baita Int’l (HET/ZBHH) | Alxa Left Banner Bayanhot Airport (AXF/ZBAL) | Wed 11:40AM CST |
| HXA4934 | 909 | Huangyan Luqiao (HYN/ZSLO) | Jingzhou Shashi Airport (SHS/ZHZJ) | Wed 12:50PM CST |
| HXA2664 | CRJ9 | Manzhouli Xijiao Airport (NZH/TBMZ) | Hohhot Baita Int’l (HET/ZBHH) | Wed 01:00PM CST |
| HXA4958 | CRJ9 | Alxa Left Banner Bayanhot Airport (AXF/ZBAL) | Hohhot Baita Int’l (HET/ZBHH) | Wed 01:45PM CST |
| HXA4934 | 909 | Jingzhou Shashi Airport (SHS/ZHZJ) | Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG/ZUCK) | Wed 03:30PM CST |
| HXA4784 | CRJ9 | Hohhot Baita Int’l (HET/ZBHH) | Luoyang (LYA/ZHLY) | Wed 03:55PM CST |
| HXA4009 | 909 | Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG/ZUCK) | Dongying Shengli (DOY/ZSDY) | Wed 04:15PM CST |
| HXA4784 | CRJ9 | Luoyang (LYA/ZHLY) | Guiyang Longdongbao (KWE/ZUGY) | Wed 05:55PM CST |
| HXA4010 | 909 | Dongying Shengli (DOY/ZSDY) | Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG/ZUCK) | Wed 07:40PM CST |
| HXA4783 | CRJ9 | Guiyang Longdongbao (KWE/ZUGY) | Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG/ZUCK) | Wed 08:15PM CST |
| HXA4783 | CRJ9 | Luoyang (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:
| Ident | Type | Origin | Destination | Scheduled Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS29607 | A320 | Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX/ZGSZ) | Shenyang Taoxian Int’l (SHE/ZYTX) | Tue 08:10PM CST |
| CS28665 | B738 | Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX/ZGSZ) | Nantong (NTG/ZSNT) | Tue 08:20PM CST |
| CS29917 | A320 | Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX/ZGSZ) | Qingdao Jiaodong Int’l (TAO/ZSQD) | Wed 01:35PM CST |
| CS28431 | A320 | Chengdu Tianfu Int’l (TFU/ZUTF) | Lanzhou Zhongchuan International (LHW/ZLLL) | Wed 03:00PM CST |
| CS29918 | A320 | Qingdao 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.









