60 Flights Canceled and 713 Delayed Across Asia, Stranding Passengers in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Xi’an, As Severe Weather Grounds Air China, China Eastern, ANd Hainan Airlines Services – More Details Inside

Published on December 14, 2025

The aviation industry across Asia faced significant disruptions this weekend as adverse weather conditions forced major carriers, including Air China, China Eastern, and Hainan Airlines, to cancel a large number of flights. A total of over 60 flights were affected by the weather, stranding passengers and causing chaos at key airports across China. The flight cancellations were a result of severe weather patterns, including heavy rains, snowstorms, and low visibility, which prompted airlines to prioritize safety.

While these cancellations impacted multiple cities and airports, the greatest disruption was seen in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Xi’an. Passengers endured long delays and were left scrambling for alternative transportation options, as flights were grounded and airports were forced to manage unexpected surges in passenger traffic.

A Breakdown of the Cancellations Across Three Major Airlines

In an effort to analyze the scale and impact of these cancellations, we dive into the flight data provided by Air China, China Eastern, and Hainan Airlines. Below is a detailed look at the affected flights, the airlines involved, and the key airports that bore the brunt of the disruptions.

Table of Canceled Flights by Air China

Table of Canceled Flights by China Eastern

Table of Canceled Flights by Hainan Airlines

How Bad Weather Led to Massive Flight Cancellations

Flights were heavily impacted by weather systems, including heavy rainfalls and snowstorms, which made it impossible for pilots to operate safely. The flight cancellations began as early as Saturday evening, with several planes grounded and delays mounting. In addition to the harsh weather conditions, dense fog and poor visibility further exacerbated the situation, making it nearly impossible for air traffic control to safely manage flights.

A significant portion of the affected flights involved critical domestic routes between major cities in China, such as Beijing to Shanghai, Chengdu to Shenzhen, and Shanghai to Xi’an, all of which are essential connections for both business and leisure travelers. The cancellations not only left thousands of passengers stranded but also caused considerable congestion at airports, leading to overcrowded terminals and prolonged waiting times.

Key Airports Affected

Air China:

• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK / ZBAA) – A major hub for both international and domestic flights, particularly affected by the cancellations of routes like Beijing to Fuzhou and Shenzhen.
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG / ZSPD) – The international gateway to China, impacting international travelers connecting to cities like Chengdu and Xi’an.
• Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU / ZUUU) – Severely impacted as flights to and from Chengdu were grounded, affecting business and tourist travel.
• Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX / ZGSZ) – A key domestic and international airport, severely affected by cancellations on routes to Beijing and Hangzhou.

China Eastern:

• Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA / ZSSS) – The heart of China Eastern’s operations, with significant flight disruptions to major domestic cities such as Changsha, Nanjing, and Xiamen.
• Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN / ZSAM) – A major airport in southeastern China, affected by the cancellation of flights bound for Nanjing.
• Shenyang Taoxian International Airport (SHE / ZYTX) – Affected by the grounding of flights, particularly those bound for Hefei and Xi’an.
• Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG / ZSNJ) – Key routes from Xiamen and Yinchuan were canceled, heavily affecting travel from Nanjing to other regions.

Hainan Airlines:

• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK / ZBAA) – Another critical hub in Beijing that saw cancellations, especially impacting international routes like those to Shanghai and Shenzhen.
• Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA / ZSSS) – Cancellations on flights from Shanghai to Beijing and other domestic routes led to extensive passenger backlogs.
• Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU / ZUTF) – The newest major airport in Chengdu, affected by the grounding of several key flights bound for Shenzhen and Xi’an.
• Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX / ZGSZ) – Saw cancellations and delays on flights to Chengdu, Beijing, and other regional destinations.

Key Regions Affected

Air China:

• Beijing – As the capital city and a major hub for both domestic and international flights, Beijing was hit hardest by the cancellations. The city’s tourism sector suffered from the disrupted flights to and from famous tourist sites such as the Great Wall.
• Shanghai – As the financial capital of China, Shanghai’s business and tourism traffic were significantly impacted, with many international tourists stranded.
• Chengdu – A growing tourist destination, Chengdu was impacted by flight cancellations that stranded travelers looking to visit landmarks like the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base.
• Shenzhen – Known for its business and tech sectors, Shenzhen also felt the impact of cancellations, disrupting the travel plans of thousands of tourists and business travelers.

China Eastern:

• Shanghai – Disruptions in Shanghai had far-reaching effects on both international and domestic tourism, with the Shanghai Disneyland and the Bund seeing a reduction in tourists.
• Nanjing – A key cultural and historical destination in China, Nanjing saw major disruptions affecting travelers heading to historical sites.
• Hangzhou – Famous for its West Lake and cultural significance, Hangzhou was among the most affected cities, with many tourists unable to access the city.
• Xiamen – Popular for its coastal scenery, Xiamen’s tourism was also affected by the cancellations, especially those to and from major cities like Nanjing.

Hainan Airlines:

• Beijing – With a large number of cancellations, Beijing’s tourism was impacted, especially regarding international travelers aiming to explore historical and cultural landmarks.
• Shanghai – Shanghai Disneyland, as well as major shopping and business hubs, saw a decline in visitors due to the cancellations.
• Chengdu – Famous for its pandas and traditional culture, Chengdu’s local tourism faced a blow as cancellations disrupted travel to the city.
• Shenzhen – Known for its tech industries and shopping malls, Shenzhen saw a direct hit to its tourism industry, with travelers unable to attend conventions or visit attractions.

Impacts on Passengers: The Struggle of Getting Home

Passengers affected by these cancellations were left stranded at some of Asia’s busiest airports. With limited information available, many were left frustrated, scrambling to secure new flights or hotel accommodations. While the airlines made efforts to rebook passengers on later flights, long waiting times and lack of available seats led to significant delays. Some passengers were forced to extend their stays, while others faced the challenge of rescheduling their international connections.

Tips for Passengers Affected by Cancellations: What You Can Do

1. Stay Informed – Continuously check your airline’s website or mobile app for the latest updates on flight statuses.
2. Contact Your Airline – If your flight is canceled, reach out to customer service for rebooking options, refunds, or compensation for your inconvenience.
3. Consider Alternative Routes – Depending on availability, consider flying with another airline or using trains, buses, or other modes of transportation to reach your destination.
4. Be Prepared for Long Waits – Airport terminals can get crowded during cancellations. Bring entertainment and essentials like snacks, water, and power banks to stay comfortable during long waits.

Turning Adversity into Opportunity: How the Tourism Industry Can Recover

Despite the significant disruptions caused by the cancellations, the tourism industry has the potential to bounce back stronger than ever. Airlines can improve by integrating more robust contingency plans for weather disruptions, including better communication with passengers and more proactive rebooking systems.

On the local level, tourism boards should leverage such disruptions as opportunities to improve infrastructure, offer special deals for affected travelers, and promote alternative travel routes to nearby destinations. By showing resilience and adaptability, tourism destinations can foster loyalty among travelers and continue to thrive even in the face of adversity.

Resilience in the Face of Disruption: The Future of Travel

While the cancellations were undoubtedly frustrating for travelers, this event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of travel. As the world continues to navigate the challenges posed by weather disruptions, both the aviation and tourism industries must remain adaptable and innovative. By learning from these experiences and continuing to improve operational processes, we can ensure that the future of travel remains resilient and dynamic.