Air China, China Eastern, and Shenzhen Airlines Ground Over 60 Flights and Delay 638 Across Key Cities in China, Leaving Hundreds of Passengers Stranded Amid Severe Weather Disruptions – Details of Canceled Flights Inside

Published on December 10, 2025

The ongoing disruption in the Asian aviation sector has sparked widespread concern among passengers as over 60 flights were canceled by major carriers Air China, China Eastern, and Shenzhen Airlines. A significant number of these cancellations were attributed to bad weather conditions, causing a ripple effect on flights across key routes in China. The impact has been felt not only by travelers but also by local tourism and businesses reliant on the smooth operation of air travel.

This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the flight cancellations, focusing on the affected airlines, cities, airports, and routes, and how passengers are coping with the fallout.

The Airlines Affected: Air China, China Eastern, and Shenzhen Airlines

As weather conditions worsened, airlines across Asia found themselves scrambling to adjust schedules and mitigate the impact on passengers. Below is an analysis of the three major carriers involved in the flight cancellations:

Air China Flight Cancellations

Air China, the national carrier of China, had to cancel a total of 20 flights due to severe weather. These disruptions primarily impacted flights traveling to and from Beijing and several key domestic cities, including Chengdu, Nanjing, and Xi’an.

China Eastern Flight Cancellations

China Eastern Airlines, another major player in the region, also faced widespread disruptions, with 20 flights canceled in the past week. The airline’s operations were heavily affected, with routes from Shanghai and Beijing to various destinations experiencing cancellations. The airline was particularly impacted by the weather disruptions in eastern China.

Shenzhen Airlines Flight Cancellations

Shenzhen Airlines, known for its strong presence in southern China, experienced 20 cancellations. Passengers traveling to and from Shenzhen, Xi’an, and other cities were left stranded due to inclement weather conditions.

Key Airports Affected by Cancellations

The impact of these cancellations has been most strongly felt at major airports across Asia. Several key hubs, particularly those in China, have faced serious disruptions due to the cancellations. Below are the most affected airports:

Air China

• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): As the primary hub for Air China, this airport saw the highest number of cancellations, affecting both domestic and international routes.
• Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU): Affected by canceled flights to and from Beijing and Tianjin.
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): Although not a primary hub for Air China, this airport still saw some cancellations related to the airline’s domestic routes.

China Eastern

• Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA): One of the most heavily affected airports for China Eastern, with multiple flights canceled, especially those traveling within eastern China.
• Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX): Another significant hub for China Eastern, which had several cancellations to and from this modern airport.
• Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY): Cancellations affecting several key domestic routes.

Shenzhen Airlines

• Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX): The airline’s home base, affected by multiple cancellations across its routes.
• Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY): A major route hub for Shenzhen Airlines, with several flights canceled due to weather-related disruptions.
• Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH): Another key airport impacted by cancellations.

Key Regions Affected by the Cancellations

The widespread weather disruptions have impacted several regions across China. The cities most affected by the flight cancellations were:

Air China

• Beijing: As the hub of Air China, Beijing has experienced the brunt of cancellations. The capital city’s airports, PEK and PKX, were heavily affected.
• Tianjin: Flights from Tianjin were affected due to connections in Beijing and Shanghai.
• Chengdu: Cancellations to and from Chengdu also disrupted travel plans.

China Eastern

• Shanghai: Shanghai’s major airports were particularly impacted by weather-related disruptions, especially Hongqiao International.
• Beijing: Beijing’s Daxing and Capital airports experienced multiple cancellations.
• Xi’an: This central Chinese city saw flight disruptions affecting multiple airlines, including China Eastern.

Shenzhen Airlines

• Shenzhen: The city’s airport was severely affected by disruptions, causing significant delays for passengers traveling through southern China.
• Xi’an: Major route cancellations in Xi’an, especially on flights bound for Shenzhen.
• Hangzhou: Known for its tourism and business importance, Hangzhou’s Xiaoshan airport was affected.

Key Affected Routes

Air China

• Tianjin to Chengdu: The flight from Tianjin to Chengdu, flight number CCA2969, was canceled.
• Beijing to Ningbo: The flight between Beijing Capital International and Ningbo was affected by cancellations, as flight CCA1849 was grounded.
• Shenyang to Hohhot: This route was impacted by the cancellation of CCA8102.

China Eastern

• Shanghai to Xi’an: Several flights from Shanghai to Xi’an (CES2232, CES2168) were canceled.
• Shanghai to Beijing: A number of flights between Shanghai Hongqiao and Beijing Daxing (CES5125, CES5209) were affected.
• Guiyang to Shanghai: Flight CES5446 was canceled due to weather disruptions.

Shenzhen Airlines

• Nanjing to Shenzhen: Flight CSZ9854 was canceled, impacting travelers between these two cities.
• Xi’an to Nanjing: Another key route, CSZ8568, was canceled.
• Chongqing to Nanchang: The flight between these cities, CSZ8845, was also canceled due to adverse weather conditions.

Devastating Impact on Local Tourism: A Wake-Up Call for the Industry

The wave of flight cancellations has not only disrupted travelers’ plans but also sent shockwaves through the local tourism industry. Major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an, known for their rich cultural heritage and historical significance, have seen a sharp decline in the number of visitors due to grounded flights. Iconic landmarks, including the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Warriors, were left largely abandoned as tourists scrambled to find alternative routes or were forced to cancel their trips altogether. This has had a profound effect on local businesses, restaurants, and hotels, all of which rely heavily on the influx of international tourists.

For these destinations to recover, there must be a concerted effort to strengthen air travel infrastructure, enhance communication between airlines and passengers, and offer seamless alternative travel options when disruptions strike. By addressing these issues, local tourism can get back on track and regain the momentum lost due to flight cancellations.

How to Cope with Canceled Flights: Practical Tips for Passengers

For travelers affected by cancellations, staying calm and following a few key steps can alleviate stress and minimize disruptions:

• Stay Informed with Real-Time Updates: Always check your flight status through official airline apps or websites to stay updated on cancellations or delays. Many airlines offer push notifications for real-time flight updates, which can be a lifesaver during such unpredictable events.
• Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights as a passenger. Many countries have laws in place that ensure compensation for significant delays or cancellations. Airlines may offer vouchers, meals, or even hotel stays for passengers who are stranded.
• Act Quickly to Rebook: If your flight is canceled, immediately contact your airline’s customer service or use the self-service kiosks at the airport to rebook your flight. Many airlines allow for free rebooking in cases of cancellations due to weather or other uncontrollable factors.
• Seek Alternative Routes: If direct flights are unavailable, explore other nearby airports or connecting flights that could get you to your destination. Consider taking a train or bus if your destination is within a reasonable distance and if flights are severely delayed.

Turning Flight Disruptions into Growth Opportunities: What Airlines and Airports Must Do

While the cancellation of flights presents immediate challenges, it also offers airlines and airports a chance to rethink their strategies for improving passenger experience during disruptions. Here are a few key strategies:

• Upgrade Customer Service Infrastructure: Airlines must invest in more responsive customer service teams that can provide immediate assistance during disruptions. Clear communication is essential to keeping passengers informed and reducing frustration.
• Enhance Passenger Rebooking Systems: By upgrading rebooking systems and offering automated options, airlines can make the rebooking process smoother. Digital platforms should be intuitive and easy to navigate, providing passengers with immediate alternatives.
• Strengthen Airport Facilities: Airports must expand their waiting areas, provide more amenities like Wi-Fi and food options, and improve the overall comfort of stranded passengers. During significant disruptions, having areas to rest and relax can significantly improve the passenger experience.
• Promote Local Travel Options: For tourists who can no longer travel internationally due to cancellations, tourism operators should focus on promoting local travel experiences. Offering deals on local attractions, hotels, and guided tours can keep tourism dollars flowing into the local economy, even if international visitors are temporarily unable to travel.

How the Tourism Industry Can Overcome Setbacks and Rebuild Resilience

The flight cancellations have undoubtedly put a strain on the tourism sector, but there’s a silver lining to every challenge. For the tourism industry to thrive despite setbacks, here are a few strategies to adopt:

• Focus on Flexibility: Airlines, airports, and tourism providers must learn to be more flexible in dealing with unexpected disruptions. Providing passengers with flexible travel options and refunds, even during bad weather or unforeseen circumstances, can help mitigate the impact of flight cancellations.
• Collaborate for a Seamless Experience: The aviation and tourism industries must collaborate more closely to provide a unified experience for travelers. Coordinating with local businesses to offer compensation options like discounts on hotels and attractions can ensure tourists still have a memorable experience.
• Invest in Future-Proofing: Weather-related cancellations are likely to become more frequent as climate change continues to affect global travel patterns. Airlines and airports must invest in long-term infrastructure improvements, better weather forecasting, and faster contingency planning to prevent or minimize disruptions.
• Empower Local Communities: Local businesses and tourism operators should tap into the growing trend of “staycations.” By promoting domestic travel, showcasing lesser-known attractions, and offering tailored experiences, communities can mitigate the financial losses caused by international travel disruptions.

Navigating the Storm: Resilience in the Face of Adversity

While flight cancellations due to bad weather and unforeseen events can be a significant source of frustration, they also highlight the need for resilience and adaptability within the tourism industry. By investing in technology, improving customer service, and promoting domestic tourism, both the aviation and tourism sectors can recover from disruptions faster and ensure travelers continue to enjoy memorable experiences, even when the skies are not as friendly. With collective effort and forward-thinking strategies, the industry can emerge from this storm stronger and better equipped to face future challenges.