Airline Mayhem Hits Asia as China Eastern, Hainan, Shenzhen, All Nippon, Korean Air, Malaysia and others Face 94 Cancellations and 858 Delays, Stranding Thousands in Beijing, Shanghai, Narita, Fukuoka, Kuala Lumpur and More

Published on December 9, 2025

In a devastating turn of events, air travel across Asia has been severely disrupted, with a total of 94 flights canceled and 858 delayed, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Major airlines such as China Eastern, Hainan, Shenzhen, All Nippon Airways, Korean Air, and Malaysia Airlines are among those grappling with widespread operational challenges. Key airports like Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, Narita, Fukuoka, and Kuala Lumpur have seen significant delays, with travelers experiencing frustration and uncertainty as they attempt to get to their destinations. The travel chaos has been fueled by a combination of severe weather conditions, air traffic congestion, and technical malfunctions, which have led to a ripple effect across regional and international routes.

Overview of Cancellations and Delays

The disruptions have severely impacted travel plans, with multiple airports in Asia experiencing significant delays and cancellations:

Major Affected Airports Analysis

Several major airports across Asia have been hit hardest by these flight disruptions, resulting in extended delays, long queues, and overcrowded terminals:

• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): With 29 cancellations and 61 delays, Beijing’s airport has faced significant operational challenges. As China’s primary international gateway, the delays have disrupted both domestic and international connections, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Many travelers have struggled to find alternative flights, leading to frustration and chaos in the terminals.
• Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) and Pudong (PVG): Both airports in Shanghai have seen significant disruptions. Hongqiao reported 20 cancellations and 123 delays, while Pudong was affected by 15 cancellations and 168 delays. The ripple effect from these two major hubs has been felt across domestic and international routes, with many flights delayed or canceled due to congestion, air traffic control issues, and weather-related factors.
• Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX): Shenzhen has reported 3 cancellations and a staggering 232 delays, making it one of the worst-hit airports. As a major hub for both domestic and international travel, the airport has struggled to manage the overwhelming number of delays, leaving many passengers with limited options for rebooking.
• Narita International Airport (NRT): While Narita saw fewer cancellations (1) and delays (51), it remains heavily impacted by the knock-on effects of disruptions at other airports. Many international travelers flying through Narita have faced long delays in connecting flights, resulting in missed connections and disrupted travel plans.
• Fukuoka Airport (FUK): The airport, a key entry point for tourists visiting Japan’s southern islands, has been hit with 2 cancellations and 30 delays. Though the numbers are lower than those seen in other major hubs, the delays have still caused inconvenience for passengers, especially those connecting to other parts of Japan.

Cause of Cancellations

The widespread cancellations and delays can be attributed to a combination of factors that have disrupted the smooth flow of air traffic across the region:

• Weather conditions: Severe storms, heavy rain, and low visibility have caused major disruptions, especially at Beijing, Shanghai, and Narita. These adverse weather conditions have made it difficult for air traffic controllers to safely manage flights, leading to delays and cancellations.
• Air traffic congestion: As the busiest travel season in Asia continues, airspace and airport congestion have further exacerbated the problem. Airports like Beijing and Shanghai have faced bottlenecks, resulting in delays in departures and arrivals as flight schedules are continuously altered.
• Operational issues: Technical issues within airlines, such as mechanical malfunctions or crew shortages, have also contributed to flight disruptions. With so many flights affected, airlines have struggled to manage the rebooking of passengers, leading to longer wait times and more cancellations.

Impact on Travel and Passengers

The effects of the widespread flight disruptions are being felt across multiple sectors of the travel industry. Here’s how passengers and airlines are coping with the fallout:

• Business disruptions: Thousands of business travelers have been stranded, missing important meetings, flights, and events. Time-sensitive trips have been delayed or completely ruined, causing significant financial and professional losses.
• Leisure travelers: Many leisure travelers have faced disrupted or canceled vacation plans, especially those heading to popular destinations such as Shanghai, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur. Those still attempting to travel are facing long delays and uncertain rebooking timelines.
• Airport congestion: As thousands of passengers remain stranded, airports are becoming overcrowded, with long queues and limited seating available. Many passengers are also facing difficulties with food, drink, and other essential services as airports work to handle the surge in stranded travelers.
• Local tourism slowdown: Key tourist destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Narita are also feeling the effects of the flight disruptions. With fewer international arrivals and some cancellations of planned trips, local hotels and tour operators are seeing a sharp decline in bookings.

Advice for Passengers

For those impacted by the cancellations and delays, here are some tips to help manage the situation:

• Stay updated: Regularly check your flight status using your airline’s app or website. Most airlines provide real-time updates on cancellations, delays, and rebooking options.
• Rebooking: Airlines are offering rebooking services, but due to high demand, be prepared for long wait times. Travelers should explore alternate routes, connecting airports, or nearby destinations to reach their final destination faster.
• Essential supplies: Pack snacks, water, and any necessary medications in case of extended delays. If you’re stuck at an airport for hours, make sure you have the basic necessities to stay comfortable.
• Accommodation: For long delays, airlines may offer vouchers for hotel stays. Check with your airline about accommodation options or nearby hotels if you are unable to secure a room through the airline.

Conclusion

As Asia continues to face widespread flight cancellations and delays, passengers are left scrambling to salvage their travel plans. The situation at major airports like Beijing, Shanghai, and Narita remains volatile, with severe weather, air traffic congestion, and operational issues all contributing to the ongoing chaos. Travelers are advised to stay informed, be flexible, and maintain patience as airlines and airports work to clear the backlog. While the disruption is expected to last for several days, passengers can expect gradual improvements as airlines work through the backlog of delayed and canceled flights.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware