China Battles Travel Disruption as Air China, China Eastern, and Sichuan Airlines Cancel Over 40 Flights, Affecting Routes to Hangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Qingdao, Lhasa, and More – New Update

Published on December 9, 2025

Travelers across China faced another day of uncertainty as 41 China flight cancellations were reported at major airports, disrupting connections to destinations such as Hangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Qingdao, Minneapolis, Chengdu, Xi’an, Beijing, Lanzhou, Lhasa, and Qamdo. Multiple airlines—including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines—adjusted their schedules, leading to widespread airline route disruptions and growing frustration among passengers.

With cancelled flights China continuing across both domestic and international routes, the disruptions created a ripple effect in terminals already struggling with heavy traffic and unpredictable weather patterns.

Breakdown of Cancellations Across Airports

Beijing Capital International Airport

Beijing recorded the highest number of cancellations, affecting passengers on high-demand routes. Airlines such as Air China (CCA) and China Eastern Airlines (CES) faced operational challenges caused by shifting weather and airspace congestion.

Key highlights:

• 17 cancellations
• Affected destinations: Hangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Qingdao
• Heavy airport delays China as queues increased across multiple terminals

Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Shanghai Pudong saw nine cancellations, including disruptions from Delta partner routes and domestic carriers adjusting traffic flow.

Key highlights:

• 9 cancellations
• Destinations impacted: Minneapolis, Chengdu, Xi’an
• Intensified Shanghai flight disruptions with terminals experiencing crowding

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Shanghai Hongqiao reported eight cancellations, particularly among frequent business routes. Carriers like China Eastern Airlines (CES) and Shanghai Airlines (CSH) handled the largest share of schedule changes.

Key highlights:

• 8 cancellations
• Impacted destinations: Beijing, Chengdu, Lanzhou

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

Chengdu registered seven cancellations, with Sichuan Airlines (CSC) and key national carriers affected.

Key highlights:

• 7 cancellations
• Destinations affected: Lhasa, Hangzhou, Qamdo

Full List of All 41 Cancellations

Impact on Passengers

The surge in China flight cancellations has left thousands of travelers dealing with last-minute plan changes, long service lines, and limited rebooking options. Many passengers affected by Beijing flight cancellations reported waiting hours to secure alternative seats, while those caught in Shanghai flight disruptions faced repeated gate changes and terminal congestion.

Passengers experienced:
• Delays during check-in and security
• Fewer available seats for same-day rebooking
• Overstretched airline helpdesks
• Tight connections missed due to cascading delays

Why These Disruptions Happened

A combination of factors contributed to today’s cancelled flights China, including:
• Unstable weather patterns affecting visibility and safety
• Airspace congestion in Eastern China
• Aircraft rotation issues caused by delays earlier in the week
• Increased seasonal passenger traffic across major hubs

These conditions triggered widespread airline route disruptions, affecting both domestic and international journeys.

What Travelers Can Do Next

Passengers flying soon should:
• Check flight status frequently through airline apps
• Arrive early to allow time for schedule changes
• Remain flexible with rebooking options
• Keep alternate airport or route plans in mind