56 Flights Scrapped and 690 Delays Disrupt Travel Across Asia: Japan Airlines, China Eastern, and All Nippon Hit Hard by Weather – What Travelers Should Know About Affected Airports and Routes

Published on December 15, 2025

Severe weather has wreaked havoc on air travel across Asia, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and causing widespread disruption. Three major airlines—Japan Airlines (JAL), China Eastern Airlines, and All Nippon Airways (ANA)—have been forced to cancel dozens of flights, primarily affecting travelers in Japan, China, and other parts of East Asia. These cancellations have not only disrupted the travel plans of countless passengers but also impacted local tourism industries, forcing tourists to make last-minute changes to their schedules. In this report, we dive into the reasons behind the cancellations, the affected airports, regions, and routes, and the broader impact on local tourism in the affected countries.

The aviation industry in Asia has been severely impacted by adverse weather conditions, leading to mass cancellations by three of the largest airlines in the region: Japan Airlines (JAL), China Eastern Airlines, and All Nippon Airways (ANA). A total of 56 flights were cancelled across these airlines, with the majority of disruptions happening at major hubs in Japan and China. Passengers are facing long delays, and many have been left stranded at airports as flights have been grounded due to poor weather conditions. Here’s a detailed look at the situation, including the key affected regions, routes, airports, and the impact on local tourism.

The Key Impact on Passengers: A Nightmare for Travelers

Passengers affected by these cancellations have faced a significant amount of inconvenience. From long delays to being stranded without immediate accommodation or rebooking options, the situation has created chaos at major airports in Japan and China. Thousands of travelers, many with international connections, found themselves without options for rescheduling their trips. In some cases, passengers had to wait for hours—if not days—before securing a seat on the next available flight.

For international travelers, the sudden disruptions led to missed connections, missed business meetings, and canceled holidays. In some cases, families and business professionals had to cancel important trips, while others had to deal with the frustration of being relocated to alternative flights with limited availability.

Key Airports Affected by the Cancellations

The following airports saw the most disruptions in terms of flight cancellations and delays:

Japan Airlines (JAL)

1. New Chitose Airport (CTS / RJCC) – The airport was severely affected with several outbound and inbound flights cancelled.
2. Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) (HND / RJTT) – The major hub in Tokyo saw a significant number of cancellations, especially for flights to and from New Chitose.
3. Osaka International (Itami) (ITM / RJOO) – Several domestic flights were affected, especially those going to New Chitose and other locations in Japan.

China Eastern Airlines (CES)

1. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG / ZSPD) – Flights to and from Shanghai were heavily disrupted, with several cancellations for both domestic and international routes.
2. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX / ZBAD) – Cancellations were widespread, with routes to major cities like Chengdu and Chongqing being particularly impacted.
3. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU / ZUUU) – Many flights were grounded, especially those heading to Beijing and other cities in the region.

All Nippon Airways (ANA)

1. Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) (HND / RJTT) – The most affected airport, with numerous cancellations of flights to New Chitose, Shonai, and other destinations.
2. New Chitose Airport (CTS / RJCC) – Flights to and from Tokyo, especially those operated by ANA, were grounded due to poor weather conditions.
3. Narita International Airport (NRT / RJAA) – International flights, such as those from Los Angeles, were delayed or cancelled due to inclement weather.

Impact on Local Tourism: The Ripple Effect on Tourism in Japan and China

The ripple effect of these cancellations has significantly impacted the tourism industry in Japan and China. Japan, particularly, is at the peak of its holiday season, with tourists flocking to iconic destinations such as Kyoto, Hokkaido, and Tokyo. The cancellations and delays have forced many tourists to miss out on these experiences, leading to financial losses for local businesses, hotels, and tour operators.

In China, major tourist attractions in cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu have also felt the brunt of these cancellations. With tourists unable to travel between cities, local economies have taken a hit, particularly in areas that rely heavily on tourism. Regional tourism in areas like Hokkaido (Japan) and Sichuan (China) saw a sharp decline due to these disruptions.

Key Regions Affected by the Cancellations

Japan Airlines (JAL)

1. Hokkaido – New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido was particularly affected, with several flights to and from Tokyo being cancelled. Tourists visiting the region for its ski resorts or scenic landscapes faced significant disruptions.
2. Tohoku Region – Flights to and from Shonai were cancelled, causing significant setbacks for those traveling to this culturally rich area.
3. Tokyo Metropolitan Area – Both Haneda and Narita airports saw a high volume of cancellations, affecting tourists traveling to Japan’s capital city.

China Eastern Airlines (CES)

1. Shanghai – Shanghai Pudong International Airport experienced widespread cancellations, impacting tourism to the city’s famous attractions like The Bund and Disneyland Shanghai.
2. Beijing – Beijing Daxing Airport was another major hub for flight cancellations, affecting both domestic and international travelers visiting the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City.
3. Chengdu – As a cultural and tourist destination, Chengdu suffered from significant flight cancellations, particularly affecting those traveling to see the Giant Pandas or visit scenic areas like Mount Qingcheng.

All Nippon Airways (ANA)

1. Hokkaido – Similar to Japan Airlines, ANA flights to and from New Chitose were grounded, leaving tourists stranded in the region or unable to reach it.
2. Northern Japan – Regions like Nakashibetsu, served by ANA flights, were impacted by cancellations, causing a ripple effect in local tourism.
3. Tokyo – ANA’s operations at Haneda and Narita airports were also severely disrupted, causing delays for international travelers and affecting tourism in the capital city.

Impacted Routes Across Airlines

Japan Airlines (JAL)

1. Tokyo – New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) – A significant number of flights from Tokyo to New Chitose were cancelled, disrupting travel plans for both business and leisure passengers.
2. Tokyo – Shonai (SYO / RJSY) – The route between Tokyo and Shonai saw multiple cancellations, impacting domestic tourists visiting the region.
3. Tokyo – Osaka – Flights from Haneda to Osaka were also cancelled, particularly affecting business travelers heading to the economic hub of the Kansai region.

China Eastern Airlines (CES)

1. Shanghai – Xi’an Xianyang (XIY / ZLXY) – The route between Shanghai and Xi’an saw multiple cancellations, affecting both cultural tourists and business professionals.
2. Shanghai – Chengdu Tianfu (TFU / ZUTF) – This domestic route faced cancellations, disrupting travel for tourists visiting Sichuan province.
3. Beijing – Chongqing Jiangbei (CKG / ZUCK) – Flights between Beijing and Chongqing were cancelled, impacting travelers heading to southwestern China.

All Nippon Airways (ANA)

1. Tokyo – New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) – This major route between Tokyo and New Chitose saw numerous cancellations, affecting both domestic and international travelers.
2. Tokyo – Shonai (SYO / RJSY) – Several flights between Tokyo and Shonai were cancelled, causing significant disruption for those traveling to the Tohoku region.
3. Los Angeles – Narita – ANA’s international route from Los Angeles to Narita was impacted, affecting travelers from the United States trying to reach Japan.

The Ripple Effect on Tourism: A Heavy Blow for Local Economies

The cancellations have had a massive ripple effect on local economies in Japan and China, with both countries seeing a drop in tourism revenue. In Japan, local businesses, particularly in tourist-heavy regions like Kyoto, Hokkaido, and Tokyo, have experienced losses, as travelers were unable to reach their intended destinations. Similarly, in China, cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu, which rely heavily on tourism, have seen a decrease in the number of inbound tourists, leading to financial hardship for local operators.

How Passengers Can Tackle Flight Cancellations: Essential Steps to Follow

• Check for Updates Immediately
  Use the airline’s app or website to stay informed about your flight status. Many airlines provide real-time updates and will automatically rebook you on the next available flight.
• Contact Customer Service
  If rebooking isn’t automatic, reach out to the airline’s customer service for assistance. Be patient, as representatives may be dealing with high volumes of inquiries.
• Ask About Compensation
  Inquire about meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, or reimbursement options for long delays or cancellations, especially if you’re left stranded overnight.
• Explore Alternative Airports or Routes
  If time is critical, check for flights from nearby airports or explore other possible routes to reach your destination more quickly.
• Consider Travel Insurance
  If you have travel insurance, make sure to file a claim to cover additional costs like accommodations, meals, or missed connections due to cancellations.
• Stay Flexible
  Be open to adjusting your travel dates, routes, or even using other transportation methods (such as trains or buses) to reach your destination. Flexibility can help mitigate the impact of cancellations.

Turning the Tide: How Tourism Can Recover from These Setbacks

While these cancellations have created significant challenges, there are opportunities for recovery. Airlines and local governments must work together to improve contingency planning and ensure that passengers are taken care of in case of weather-related disruptions. By investing in better infrastructure, improving communication channels between airports and airlines, and providing more flexible rebooking options, the tourism industry can bounce back stronger from these setbacks.

A Positive Outlook for the Future of Tourism

While the disruptions caused by severe weather have impacted passengers and the tourism industry, there is hope for a quicker recovery. Airlines and local governments must adapt to the new challenges posed by climate change and increase resilience against future disruptions. With improved systems in place, the tourism industry can learn from these experiences and emerge stronger, ensuring smoother travel experiences for passengers in the future.