29 Flights Abandoned and 357 Postponed Across Asia by Shenzhen Airlines, Batik Air, and Pakistan Airlines – Impacting Beijing, Jakarta, and Gilgit: Full Breakdown of Cancellations and What Travelers Should Do

Published on December 16, 2025

In a significant blow to air travel, three major Asian airlines—Shenzhen Airlines, Batik Air, and Pakistan Airlines—have been forced to cancel several flights across key domestic and international routes due to bad weather conditions. This disruption has affected a wide range of passengers, causing delays, cancellations, and massive inconvenience. The ripple effect of these cancellations is also expected to impact local tourism industries in the affected regions. In this article, we break down the details of these cancellations, the affected regions, and what you need to know if you’re planning to travel with these airlines.

Flight Cancellations Due to Bad Weather: How Many Flights Were Affected?

The disruption caused by bad weather has led to the cancellation of numerous flights from these three airlines, primarily affecting travelers within and outside Asia. Here is an overview of the affected flights:

Shenzhen Airlines

• Total Flights Cancelled: 20
• Aircraft Type: A320 and ATR
• Regions Affected: Key routes including those connecting mainland China with other Asian countries have been disrupted. The flight cancellations have primarily occurred in areas prone to severe weather conditions, especially in airports like Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou.

Batik Air

• Total Flights Cancelled: 3
• Aircraft Type: A320
• Regions Affected: Flights operating out of Jakarta-Soekarno-Hatta International Airport have been the most affected, particularly those heading to Yogyakarta and other popular tourist destinations in Indonesia.

Pakistan Airlines

• Total Flights Cancelled: 6
• Aircraft Type: ATR and A320
• Regions Affected: Multiple domestic routes were impacted, with Islamabad International Airport and Gilgit Airport facing operational slowdowns. The routes to Multan and Karachi were also disrupted.

Key Airports Affected

The weather-related flight cancellations have led to disruptions at the following major airports:

Shenzhen Airlines

1. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK / ZBAA)
2. Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX / ZGSZ)
3. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN / ZGGG)

Batik Air

1. Jakarta-Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK / WIII)
2. Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA / WAHI)

Pakistan Airlines

1. Islamabad International Airport (ISB / OPIS)
2. Gilgit Airport (GIL / OPGT)
3. Multan International Airport (MUX / OPMT)

Key Regions Affected

Several regions across Asia have felt the impact of these flight cancellations, leading to inconvenience for both local passengers and tourists alike:

Shenzhen Airlines

• Beijing: With significant cancellations affecting both domestic and international flights, Beijing is experiencing logistical difficulties, particularly during high travel seasons.
• Shenzhen: A major hub for Shenzhen Airlines, flight cancellations here have impacted travelers connecting to other parts of China and Asia.
• Guangzhou: As a busy hub, cancellations at Guangzhou Baiyun International have caused delays and disruptions for many inbound and outbound international flights.

Batik Air

• Jakarta: With multiple cancellations from Jakarta-Soekarno-Hatta International, passengers traveling between Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and other major Indonesian cities have been affected.
• Yogyakarta: A popular destination for both local and international tourists, Yogyakarta is seeing delays as flights from Jakarta and other areas are canceled or rerouted.

Pakistan Airlines

• Islamabad: Major cancellations at Islamabad International Airport have caused delays on flights from Islamabad to multiple destinations across Pakistan.
• Gilgit: Due to severe weather, flights to and from Gilgit have been canceled, affecting the northern region of Pakistan, a hotspot for adventure tourism.
• Multan: Cancellations on domestic flights out of Multan have disrupted local business and tourism activities, particularly affecting those traveling for events and business purposes.

Affected Routes and Cities

Shenzhen Airlines

• Beijing to Shenzhen: Affected by cancellations due to heavy rains and winds disrupting flight schedules.
• Shenzhen to Guangzhou: Major disruptions were seen, with flight delays and cancellations impacting travelers between these major cities.
• Guangzhou to Beijing: Weather-related cancellations have affected travelers commuting between these two key cities in China.

Batik Air

• Jakarta to Yogyakarta: Frequent cancellations have disrupted flights between Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, and Yogyakarta, a key cultural destination in Java.
• Yogyakarta to Jakarta: The return route also faced cancellations, affecting inbound and outbound travel between these key tourism cities.

Pakistan Airlines

• Islamabad to Gilgit: Flights between these two popular destinations for adventure tourism were canceled, leading to major inconvenience for tourists heading to the mountainous region.
• Islamabad to Multan: Cancellations have impacted business and leisure travel, with numerous flights between Islamabad and Multan being delayed.
• Karachi to Multan: This domestic route was also affected, with numerous passengers stranded due to adverse weather conditions.

Passenger Struggles: Navigating the Chaos of Flight Cancellations

For travelers caught in the whirlwind of flight cancellations, the impact has been nothing short of disruptive. Passengers are facing extreme delays, flight cancellations, and missed connections, with many left stranded in airports for hours, if not days. As weather conditions worsen, particularly in high-risk areas like Beijing, Jakarta, and Islamabad, communication from airlines has been sparse, leaving travelers scrambling for information on rebooking options.

Many passengers, whose plans were meticulously arranged months in advance, have found their vacations or business trips shattered by these cancellations. Without clear guidance or timely updates, frustration levels are at an all-time high. Airlines, despite their best efforts to accommodate affected travelers, are facing overwhelming demand, and seats on alternate flights are often unavailable or far out in the future.

What You Can Do: Practical Advice for Affected Passengers

• Stay Proactive and Stay Informed: The first step in managing flight disruptions is to stay on top of your flight’s status. Use airline apps, official websites, and flight tracking services to get real-time updates. Don’t wait for airlines to contact you—take the initiative to rebook flights as soon as cancellations are announced.
• Explore Flexible Travel Options: For those whose flights are canceled, flexibility can be the key to finding a way out. Consider alternative travel routes, whether by train, bus, or even renting a car. In some cases, nearby airports may have open flights that can get you to your destination.
• Secure Accommodation and Keep Calm: If stranded, many airports provide designated rest areas for passengers. Check the airport for any services or lounges offering temporary refuge. If these are unavailable, look into last-minute hotel bookings near the airport or ask the airline for assistance in arranging accommodations. Keep calm and prioritize your well-being as you wait for the next available flight.
• Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with passenger rights related to cancellations and delays. Airlines may offer compensation, such as meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, or refunds. It’s essential to know what’s available to you to reduce the financial strain of extended waiting times.

How Local Tourism Is Bearing the Brunt of the Disruption

The ripple effect of flight cancellations doesn’t end with inconvenienced passengers; the tourism industry in affected regions has also felt the heat. Destinations that rely heavily on air travel—such as Yogyakarta, Gilgit, and Guangzhou—are seeing a sharp decline in visitor numbers. These cities, known for their unique cultural experiences and adventure tourism opportunities, are suffering the consequences of these travel disruptions.

Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, are witnessing a dip in foot traffic and bookings. Seasonal travelers, particularly those in search of adventure or cultural enrichment, have been forced to cancel or postpone their plans. While the immediate impact is harsh, it also presents an opportunity for local tourism to adapt and recover.

What Local Businesses Can Do

• Promote Alternative Attractions: Destinations affected by cancellations should promote off-the-beaten-path experiences to attract travelers who are still in the area. Diversifying tourism offerings—whether through virtual tours, discounted tickets, or last-minute packages—can keep local businesses afloat during these uncertain times.
• Focus on Domestic Tourism: Given the uncertainty of international travel, many local businesses should turn their attention to domestic tourists who may be more inclined to explore nearby destinations. Domestic travelers may be more resilient in the face of cancellations, so providing attractive offers for them can help boost local tourism.
• Strengthen Communication with Travelers: Businesses and tourism boards need to offer real-time updates on any operational changes. Clear, concise communication, whether through social media, email, or text alerts, will help alleviate passenger frustration and ensure that visitors are informed of any local changes.

Rebuilding with Resilience: How the Industry Can Bounce Back Stronger

While weather-related disruptions have thrown a wrench in travel plans, this is not the end of the road. The tourism and aviation industries, though temporarily shaken, can recover and come back stronger than ever. By learning from these disruptions, both airlines and local businesses can take proactive steps to minimize the impact of future cancellations and delays.

For Airlines: Streamlining Operations and Communication

Airlines must streamline their contingency plans to ensure passengers can be quickly rebooked on alternative flights. In addition, investing in better communication systems will provide real-time updates and transparency, helping to manage customer expectations during crisis situations. Clearer procedures for providing compensation and handling customer service can also go a long way in restoring trust.

For Local Tourism: Building a Resilient and Flexible Industry

Local tourism must focus on creating flexibility in its offerings. By diversifying tourism products and services—offering flexible booking policies, virtual experiences, or quick-response packages—businesses can remain competitive and retain tourist interest, even in times of uncertainty. Promoting alternative travel options within the region will also ensure that tourism remains dynamic.

Optimizing for the Future

The resilience of the tourism sector lies in its ability to adapt to changing circumstances. From offering enhanced customer service to diversifying the types of experiences available, the future of tourism will depend on how quickly industries can adjust to the evolving travel landscape. As the world adapts to the post-pandemic era and the impacts of climate change on travel, businesses that innovate, communicate well, and remain flexible will thrive.

Travel disruptions may be a short-term setback, but with the right mindset and strategic approach, the tourism industry can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth. With better infrastructure, smarter travel management, and a focus on customer care, both airlines and local tourism businesses can emerge from this crisis stronger and more prepared for future challenges. The key is resilience, adaptability, and a strong focus on enhancing the passenger experience.