Hundreds of Travelers Stranded in Asia including Osaka, Tokyo with 7 Cancellations and 589 Delays Hurting ANA, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and More Airlines at Incheon Airports

Published on December 31, 2025

Travelers in Asia are facing significant disruptions as Osaka International Airport (Itami), Tokyo International Airport (Haneda), and Incheon International Airport contend with over 600 delays and multiple cancellations in recent days. The massive number of flight disruptions is affecting both domestic and international travelers, causing long wait times, uncertainty, and frustration for those trying to reach their destinations during a busy travel period.

With the holiday season and ongoing business travel, these disruptions are especially problematic. Major carriers, including ANA, Japan Airlines, and Korean Air, are experiencing delays across multiple routes, particularly those connecting Japan to South Korea and other key regional destinations.

Osaka International: Over 100 Delays and 5 Cancellations Hit Passengers Hard

At Osaka International Airport (Itami), the situation has been particularly dire. The airport has recorded 104 delays and 5 cancellations, with ANA Wings and Japan Airlines bearing the brunt of the disruptions. ANA Wings experienced 27 delays (20% of their scheduled flights) and 4 cancellations, while Japan Airlines reported 49 delays (25% of their flights) and 1 cancellation.

Many passengers have been left stranded, particularly those flying on regional routes between Osaka and smaller airports in Japan, such as Aomori (AOJ) and Akita (AXT). Some passengers faced not only delays but also a lack of clear communication from airline staff, exacerbating the frustration.

A passenger on a Japan Airlines flight from Osaka to Tokyo expressed her disappointment, saying, “I’ve never been in a situation like this before. No one seems to know what’s happening, and my flight has been delayed for hours. It’s incredibly stressful, especially since I have connecting flights to catch.”

Tokyo International Airport: Over 200 Delays, Impacting Thousands

Tokyo International Airport (Haneda), a major hub for both domestic and international flights, has been similarly affected. 202 delays have been recorded, with 2 cancellations. The delays are primarily concentrated in ANA Wings and Japan Airlines flights, with Japan Airlines being the hardest hit. The airline has reported 52 delays (25% of their flights) and 2 cancellations, as operational challenges and air traffic congestion created a bottleneck at one of the busiest airports in Asia.

The disruption at Tokyo International has had a ripple effect on flights across the region, especially for travelers heading to Osaka, Seoul, and Singapore. For passengers flying to or from Haneda, the delays have created a significant strain on their travel plans.

A traveler flying from Tokyo to Singapore shared, “I was excited about my holiday, but now I’m not sure if I’ll make it on time. I’m stuck here, and I’m not getting much help.”

Incheon International Airport: The Worst Affected with 283 Delays

The largest disruption, however, has been at Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea, which has seen 283 delays across multiple international and domestic routes. Although Incheon has managed to avoid cancellations, the high number of delays—particularly on flights operated by Korean Air and Asiana Airlines—has severely impacted passenger flow.

Korean Air and Asiana Airlines reported the highest volume of delays at Incheon, accounting for 98 delays (35%) and 60 delays (15%) respectively. The delays were primarily attributed to adverse weather conditions and staffing shortages, with some travelers experiencing delays of several hours.

One passenger, who was supposed to fly from Seoul to Tokyo, stated, “I’ve been waiting for over three hours. There’s been no communication from the airline, and I’m really starting to worry that I’ll miss my connecting flight.”

Airlines and Authorities Respond to Growing Crisis

In response to the widespread delays, airlines and airport authorities at all three airports are working together to minimize the disruptions. ANA, Japan Airlines, and Korean Air have all issued official apologies and are offering compensation options for affected passengers. Rebooking, meal vouchers, and accommodation options have been made available for those who have missed their flights due to the delays.

Japan Airlines has stated that the delays were primarily caused by operational bottlenecks and air traffic control issues, while ANA cited weather-related disruptions as the main cause. Meanwhile, Korean Air has faced staffing shortages, which, combined with high passenger volumes, led to the significant delays at Incheon.

At Osaka International, ANA Wings has been coordinating with ground handling staff to expedite the clearance of delayed flights, though recovery times remain uncertain. The airline has advised travelers to stay in touch with their customer service teams for updates on rescheduled flights.

Government Response and Aviation Challenges

Governments and regulatory bodies have also been involved in addressing the ongoing disruptions. The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) have both expressed concern about the operational issues affecting major airports in Japan. They have promised to review air traffic management procedures and work with airlines to resolve the issues swiftly.

Meanwhile, the South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) is closely monitoring the situation at Incheon International Airport and has instructed Korean Air and other local carriers to implement contingency plans to avoid further delays. MOLIT is also discussing the possibility of increasing staff during peak periods to prevent a recurrence of the staffing shortages that have contributed to the current situation.

Impact on Passengers: Stranded and Frustrated

The ripple effect of these delays is being felt across Asia. With over 600 flights affected across Osaka, Tokyo, and Incheon, travelers are left wondering how long it will take before the disruptions are fully cleared. For many passengers, the lack of clear information and long wait times have made the situation even more frustrating.

In many cases, passengers are struggling to secure new bookings and are left with limited options, particularly as airlines prioritize rebooking their most urgent flights. For those on connecting international flights, the delays have often resulted in missed connections, forcing travelers to re-plan their journeys and extend their stays at the airports.

What Travelers Can Expect Moving Forward

As the situation develops, travelers are advised to check flight statuses regularly and stay updated on their airlines’ communication channels. While airlines and airport authorities are doing their best to resolve the delays, the high volume of disruptions may cause continued inconvenience for the next few days.

Those affected by the delays are encouraged to reach out to customer service for assistance with rebooking and compensation. For now, flexibility and patience will be key as travelers navigate the ongoing disruptions at these major Asian airports.