Hainan Airlines Experience Travel Turmoil as Airports in China across Beijing, Changsha, Chengdu, Fuzhou, Guangzhou and more Face 20 Flight Cancellations and 83 Delays, All You Need to Know

Published on December 18, 2025

Travelers across China are facing significant disruptions as Hainan Airlines navigates a period of intense operational instability. The carrier reported 20 total cancellations alongside 83 delays on 17th December, 2025. Major hubs like Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen saw heavy impact on their daily flight boards. Furthermore, the turmoil extends to regional centers including Changsha, Chengdu and Fuzhou. Passengers in Haikou, Hohhot and Nanchang must also prepare for potential schedule shifts. Logistics are further complicated in Ningbo, Taiyuan and Wuhan as aircraft rotations fall behind. Even distant gateways like Ürümqi and Xi’an are not immune to these setbacks. Consequently, the airline is working to manage the flow of traffic through these vital corridors. This report provides a clear breakdown of the affected routes and offers essential guidance for those currently stranded or delayed.

A Breakdown of the Affected Flights

The fleet operations of Hainan Airlines were notably impacted, with a variety of aircraft types identified in the logs. Narrow-body and wide-body jets alike were caught in the schedule adjustments. Specifically, the Boeing 737-800 (B738) appeared to be the primary workhorse affected, alongside long-haul models such as the Airbus A330-200 (A332), A330-300 (A333) and the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (B789).

Flights ranging from early afternoon departures to late-night arrivals were subject to these changes. For instance, flight CHH7807, an A332 departing from Beijing, was among the prominent early-day schedules noted, while late-evening services like CHH7840 from Chengdu to Urumqi were also included in the data set.

The logistical pressure was felt most acutely on high-traffic domestic routes connecting major economic zones. Key routes that saw significant activity include:

• Beijing (PEK) to Guangzhou (CAN) and vice versa.
• Haikou (HAK) to Beijing (PEK), a vital link for the airline’s home base.
• Chengdu (TFU) to Urumqi (URC), spanning the western regions of China.
• Wuhan (WUH) to Ningbo (NGB) and Taiyuan (TYN).

These routes represent the backbone of the Hainan Airlines domestic network and the accumulation of 83 delays suggests a complex rotation of aircraft was hindered throughout the operational window.

Delays

While the total number of cancellations reached 20, the 83 delays formed the bulk of the traveler’s frustration. With a 10% delay rate, one in ten scheduled flights by Hainan Airlines during this period failed to meet its original departure time.

Affected Airports

The geographical spread of the turmoil reached almost every corner of China. Major international hubs and regional gateways were equally involved. The list of affected facilities includes:

• Primary Hubs: Beijing Capital (PEK), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) and Haikou Meilan (HAK).
• Regional Centers: Xi’an Xianyang (XIY), Wuhan Tianhe (WUH) and Chengdu Tianfu (TFU).
• Specialized Gateways: Urumqi Diwopu (URC) in the west and Ningbo Lishe (NGB) on the eastern seaboard.

The widespread nature of these disruptions at these specific airports suggests that the operational challenges for Hainan Airlines were not localized to a single region but were felt nationwide.

Probable Impact on Local Tourism

The disruption of 103 total flights inevitably influences the flow of tourism within China. In cities like Haikou and Beijing, which serve as major tourist magnets, the sudden cancellation of flights can lead to a decrease in hotel occupancy and a shift in local tour schedules. When Hainan Airlines passengers are delayed, the “first-day” experience in destination cities like Xi’an or Hangzhou is often shortened, impacting local businesses that rely on the timely arrival of domestic travelers.

What Affected Passengers Can Do

For those currently navigating the schedule changes of Hainan Airlines, several steps are recommended by industry standards. Documentation is essential; passengers should ensure they have their flight numbers (such as CHH7311 or CHH7566) and original booking references ready.

Under the aviation regulations of China, passengers affected by significant delays or cancellations are typically entitled to rebooking on the next available flight or a full refund of the unused portion of the ticket. Communication with the Hainan Airlines customer service desk at the affected airports is the most direct way to secure alternative travel arrangements or accommodation if the delay extends overnight.

-The information provided is sourced from FlightAware.