Hundreds of Passengers Isolated in China Amid US-Iran Conflicts as Air China, Emirates, Qatar, China Southern, Etihad, Hainan and More Airlines Face 71 Cancellations and 1,697 Delays Across Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Zhengzhou and Beyond

Published on March 2, 2026

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The ongoing US-Iran conflict has led to significant air travel disruptions across China, leaving hundreds of passengers isolated at major airports. Air China, Emirates, Qatar Airways, China Southern Airlines, Etihad Airways, and Hainan Airlines are among the airlines facing 71 cancellations and 1,697 delays. Key airports in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Zhengzhou are heavily impacted. This conflict has resulted in the temporary suspension of many flights, affecting passengers’ ability to reach their destinations.

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While some flights are being rebooked, the ripple effect continues to disrupt travel across both China and global air corridors. As tensions persist, the number of delays and cancellations is expected to increase. Travelers are urged to stay informed and check regularly with their airlines for updates on flight status.

Airports and Cities Affected by Delays and Cancellations

The following airports in China have been heavily impacted by the crisis:

• Beijing Capital International Airport
  Beijing Capital International has witnessed 20 cancellations and 151 delays. With airlines like Air China, Emirates, and Hainan Airlines affected, passengers have faced major disruptions. Emirates, for instance, has cancelled all of its flights, while Air China saw 15 cancellations and 138 delays.
• Beijing Daxing International Airport
  Beijing Daxing, another key hub, reported 8 cancellations and 59 delays. Major carriers like Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways saw cancellations across their networks, further aggravating the travel situation for both international and domestic passengers.
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport
  Shanghai Pudong is experiencing the highest volume of delays with 400 delayed flights and 14 cancellations. The airline China Southern Airlines alone has seen 161 delays, affecting travelers flying both domestically and internationally. Other airlines, including Qatar Airways and Emirates, have also been caught in the disruption.
• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
  Guangzhou Baiyun has been experiencing 9 cancellations and 181 delays. This is primarily due to China Southern Airlines and 9 Air, which have been significantly impacted. With international routes to the Middle East and Europe, passengers traveling through Guangzhou are facing long delays.
• Chengdu Tianfu International and Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airports
  Both Chengdu Tianfu and Zhengzhou Xinzheng are experiencing moderate disruptions with 8 cancellations and 96 delays at Chengdu, and 12 cancellations and 25 delays at Zhengzhou. These airports handle both domestic flights and international connections, particularly to the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.

Airlines Impacted by the Middle East Conflict

Several international and domestic airlines have been severely affected by the situation:

• Air China: The national carrier has faced significant delays and cancellations across all major airports in China, particularly at Beijing Capital and Zhengzhou Xinzheng airports.
• Emirates: The Middle Eastern airline has cancelled all its flights from Beijing Capital International and Guangzhou Baiyun, with major delays at other airports, leaving travelers stranded.
• Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways: These Gulf carriers have cancelled several flights due to airspace closures and security concerns, affecting Beijing Daxing, Shanghai Pudong, and Chengdu Tianfu airports.
• China Southern Airlines: As one of China’s largest carriers, it has been hit particularly hard, with delays at both Shanghai Pudong and Guangzhou Baiyun.
• Hainan Airlines: This airline also faced delays at Shanghai Pudong and Beijing Capital, disrupting travelers’ plans further.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

If you are among the thousands of affected passengers, here are a few steps you can take to manage the disruption:

1. Check with Airlines
   The most important step is to get in touch with your airline. Many airlines are offering rebooking options, accommodation, and meal vouchers for affected passengers. Keep your booking information handy to expedite the process.
2. Stay Updated on Flight Status
   Keep checking the status of your flight through official airline channels or the respective airport’s website. Be sure to stay informed about any changes in departure times or further cancellations.
3. Consider Alternate Routes
   If possible, consider rerouting your journey through another airport or connecting city that is not affected by the current conflict. Some travelers may find it easier to fly through alternative airports such as Hong Kong or other hubs in Southeast Asia.
4. Prepare for Delays
   For those waiting at airports, it is important to remain patient. With hundreds of delays across multiple airports, long waiting hours are likely. Many airports have customer service teams to assist with rebooking flights and offer guidance.

Total Delays and Cancellations

The total number of delays and cancellations across these major Chinese airports today are significant:

• Total Delays: 1,697
• Total Cancellations: 71

This massive disruption highlights the far-reaching effects of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on global air travel, particularly affecting flight routes between China and the Middle East. Travelers are urged to monitor flight updates and contact their airlines for further assistance. As tensions in the Middle East persist, the air travel situation across China remains uncertain, with more disruptions likely in the coming days.

Source: FlightAware