Flights Cancelled Over Asia as Saudi Arabia, UAE, China, India, Thailand Face 6,951 Delays and 472 Cancellations at Riyadh, Dubai, Shanghai, Delhi, Bangkok and Others Impacting Saudia, Akasa, Garuda, Qatar and More Airlines

Written By: Indranil Mukherjee

Indranil Mukherjee

I am an SEO content writer with over two years of experience in digital publishing. I hold a Master's degree in English, and since completing my studies, I have been working with Travel And Tour World. I am passionate about creating engaging, well-researched content that informs and connects with readers. I have a keen interest in exploring the social and economic forces that shape the world, with a particular focus on literature, travel, and global developments. Through my work, I strive to deliver insightful, accurate, and SEO-friendly content that helps readers stay informed about the latest trends and stories from the travel industry.

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July 17, 2026 4:04 AM

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Flights across Asia are facing major disruption as Saudi Arabia, UAE, China, India and Thailand experience widespread operational challenges, with 6,951 delays and 472 cancellations recorded across Riyadh, Dubai, Shanghai, Delhi, Bangkok and other major cities. The disruption has impacted airlines including Saudia, Akasa, Garuda, Qatar Airways and more carriers as regional aviation networks face growing pressure. Moreover, weather disruptions, airport congestion, aircraft rotation issues and Middle East security concerns have contributed to the ongoing travel chaos. Chinese hubs, Gulf gateways and Southeast Asian airports are witnessing significant delays, while airlines continue adjusting schedules to manage operational challenges. As a result, passengers travelling across Asia and connecting through major international hubs are experiencing longer waiting times, cancelled flights and changing travel plans.

Major Asian aviation networks disrupted as thousands of passengers face delays and cancellations

Asia’s aviation sector is experiencing widespread disruption, with major airports and airlines across China, India, Southeast Asia and Middle East-linked routes reporting thousands of delays and hundreds of cancellations. Based on the provided operational data, affected airports recorded 6,951 total flight delays and 472 cancellations, resulting in 7,423 total disruptions across key aviation hubs.

The disruption has affected some of the busiest airports in the world, including Shanghai Pudong, Shenzhen Bao’an, Xi’an Xianyang, Dubai International, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Delhi, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. The impact has spread across domestic and international networks, affecting airlines operating some of the most heavily travelled routes connecting Asia with the Middle East and other global markets.

The latest disruption pattern indicates that a combination of weather-related challenges, airport congestion, air traffic management restrictions and regional security concerns is affecting flight operations. Middle East tensions have increased uncertainty for Gulf aviation networks, while parts of Asia continue to experience weather-related operational pressure.

China faces the biggest aviation disruption with major airports under pressure

China recorded the highest concentration of flight delays among the affected Asian markets. Major airports across eastern, southern and western China reported significant operational challenges.

Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport recorded the highest number of delays among all listed airports, with 649 delays and 13 cancellations. Shanghai Pudong International Airport followed with 481 delays and three cancellations, while Xi’an Xianyang International Airport recorded 311 delays and 12 cancellations.

Other major Chinese airports also experienced heavy disruption. Chengdu Tianfu International Airport recorded 323 delays and two cancellations, Kunming Changshui International Airport reported 296 delays and three cancellations, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport experienced 274 delays and five cancellations, and Beijing Capital International Airport recorded 208 delays and 19 cancellations.

The disruption extended across Chinese airlines. China Eastern recorded the highest airline delay figure with 790 delays and 16 cancellations, followed by China Southern Airlines with 680 delays and 10 cancellations. Shenzhen Airlines reported 375 delays and three cancellations, while Air China recorded 309 delays and 28 cancellations.

The scale of disruption suggests pressure across China’s aviation network, where delays at major hubs can quickly spread through aircraft rotations, crew schedules and connecting routes. Weather conditions, including thunderstorms and severe weather systems, can also reduce airport capacity and create widespread delays.

Southeast Asia travel affected as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta face operational pressure

Southeast Asian aviation networks also recorded significant disruption, affecting some of the region’s busiest international gateways.

Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport reported 400 delays and three cancellations, making it one of the most affected airports in Southeast Asia. Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia recorded 275 delays and nine cancellations, while Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport experienced 226 delays and 18 cancellations. Singapore Changi Airport reported 215 delays and three cancellations.

The impact was also visible among regional airlines. Batik Air recorded 49 delays and 17 cancellations, Garuda Indonesia experienced 66 delays and two cancellations, Malindo Air reported 89 delays and nine cancellations, and Bangkok Airways recorded 61 delays and two cancellations.

High passenger demand, aircraft rotation challenges and changing weather conditions remain important factors affecting Southeast Asian flight operations. Airports operating as regional transfer hubs are particularly vulnerable because a single delayed aircraft can affect multiple onward services.

Middle East disruption creates additional pressure on Asia-linked flights

Although the largest disruption numbers were recorded in Asia, Middle East aviation challenges are affecting international routes connecting Asian passengers through Gulf hubs.

Dubai International Airport recorded 303 delays and 14 cancellations, while Hamad International Airport in Qatar reported 195 delays and seven cancellations. Abu Dhabi International Airport experienced 109 delays and two cancellations, and Kuwait International Airport recorded 106 delays and seven cancellations.

Saudi Arabia recorded some of the highest cancellation figures. King Khalid International Airport reported 109 delays and 51 cancellations, while King Abdulaziz International Airport recorded 74 delays and 57 cancellations.

Airlines operating through Gulf hubs were also affected. Saudia recorded 50 delays and 79 cancellations, flyadeal reported 23 delays and 17 cancellations, and Flynas experienced 37 delays and nine cancellations. Etihad Airways recorded 145 delays and two cancellations, while Qatar Airways reported 162 delays and three cancellations.

The Gulf region plays a critical role in Asia-Europe connectivity. Any changes in route planning, airspace management or operational schedules can affect passengers travelling between Asia, Europe and North America.

Indian airports experience disruption across major domestic and international gateways

India’s aviation network also faced operational challenges, with disruptions reported at several major airports.

Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi recorded 145 delays and seven cancellations, making it the most affected Indian airport in the provided data. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai reported 84 delays and 13 cancellations, while Bengaluru International Airport recorded 42 delays and 18 cancellations.

Other affected airports included Cochin International Airport with 30 delays and four cancellations, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad with 17 delays and seven cancellations, Navi Mumbai International Airport with four delays and eight cancellations, and Srinagar Airport with six delays and four cancellations.

Indian airlines also faced operational pressure. IndiGo recorded 164 delays and two cancellations, Akasa Air reported 13 delays and 45 cancellations, Air India Express experienced 75 delays and two cancellations, and SpiceJet recorded 28 delays and three cancellations.

Weather conditions, including monsoon rainfall, thunderstorms and reduced visibility, often create operational challenges for Indian airports by affecting aircraft movement, runway capacity and turnaround times.

What affected passengers can do now

Passengers travelling through affected Asian airports should monitor their flight status before leaving for the airport. Airline websites, mobile applications and airport information systems remain the most reliable sources for real-time updates.

Travellers facing delays should avoid making tight connections, especially when travelling through highly affected hubs such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, Dubai, Bangkok, Delhi and Kuala Lumpur.

Passengers whose flights are cancelled should contact airlines immediately for alternative arrangements, including rebooking options or refunds where applicable. Travellers should also keep records of additional expenses, including accommodation and meals, as some passenger protection policies may provide compensation depending on the route and circumstances.

Those travelling internationally through Gulf hubs should allow extra time for possible schedule changes caused by network adjustments.

Asia aviation disruption outlook remains challenging

The current disruption pattern highlights growing pressure across Asia’s aviation network. China remains the largest disruption centre due to the scale of delays affecting airports and airlines, while Gulf aviation uncertainty is adding pressure to Asia-linked international routes.

With 6,951 delays and 472 cancellations recorded across the provided data, thousands of passengers across Asia and connecting regions may continue to experience travel uncertainty. Airlines and airports are expected to focus on restoring schedules, managing aircraft rotations and reducing the impact of ongoing operational challenges.

Data Verification Notice

The Data is extensively curated by me with figures derived from Flightaware dated 16 July 2026, 6:20 pm ET USA
Primary Source: Real-time data aggregated via FlightAware.
Verification Protocol: Statistics are cross-checked by our human editorial desk. Timestamped logs and feed snapshots are securely archived internally to maintain historical accuracy.
Note: Real-time tracking figures represent active airspace data and may experience minor variances from local airport terminal gates. 
Travelers are advised to check respective airline and airports for more latest information and updates