Massive Flight Disruptions Across Indonesia, Philippines, China, and More with 398 Delays and 23 Cancellations by Batik Air, Sichuan, Philippine, Garuda, Tianjin, and More Airlines, Leaving Travelers Stranded in Jakarta, Manila, Chengdu, Xianyang, and Beyond

Published on December 29, 2025

The air travel industry in Asia has been hit with a massive wave of disruptions, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated. With a staggering 398 flight delays and 23 cancellations across Indonesia, the Philippines, China, and beyond, travelers are facing significant headaches. Major airlines like Batik Air, Sichuan Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, and Tianjin Airlines are all involved in this chaos, with airports in Jakarta, Manila, Chengdu, Xianyang, and several others at the epicenter of this travel nightmare.

Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta Airport: A Hotspot for Chaos

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta has become ground zero for the travel disruptions. With 139 delays and 10 cancellations at one of Asia’s busiest airports, Batik Air has been one of the primary culprits. Flights to Bali, Surabaya, and even international routes have been severely impacted, causing a ripple effect on travelers heading to destinations across the region.

Passengers have been left in limbo as communication breakdowns and lack of transparency from airline staff have compounded the frustration. Many travelers who were already enduring long waits have been told that their flights would be delayed indefinitely, with no clear explanation of the situation. Batik Air, like other airlines involved, has yet to clarify the cause, though speculation points to a mix of weather-related disruptions, technical malfunctions, and overcrowded airspace.

Chengdu Tianfu: A Nightmare for Sichuan Airlines Passengers

Over in Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) in China, Sichuan Airlines has been facing its own set of challenges. With 90 flight delays and 6 cancellations, passengers have been stuck waiting for hours. For many, these delays have caused them to miss connecting flights and international journeys, with some travelers left scrambling to make alternative arrangements.

Many passengers who were hoping to reach Beijing, Shanghai, or international destinations like Hong Kong found themselves stuck in Chengdu, unsure when their flights would depart. The chaotic situation at the airport has left passengers frustrated, with some travelers waiting for over seven hours without any meaningful updates.

Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International: More Disruptions in the Philippines

In Manila, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has been impacted by Philippine Airlines, which had to cancel 3 flights and delay 78 others. While the scale of the disruptions here was somewhat smaller compared to Jakarta and Chengdu, passengers traveling to destinations like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong were still severely affected.

As travelers waited, they were left wondering if they would ever be able to board their flights, with little to no guidance or support offered. For many, this was a particularly stressful time as they scrambled to find alternative routes and rebooked their international flights.

Xi’an Xianyang: A Delayed Mess in Northwest China

In Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY), Tianjin Airlines and other carriers experienced a total of 91 delays and 4 cancellations, particularly impacting international routes. Passengers flying out of Xi’an to destinations like Beijing and Hong Kong found themselves in a logistical nightmare, with no clear answers as to when their flights would depart.

The major disruptions were made worse by the airport’s poor communication, leaving many travelers confused and frustrated. Some passengers had been waiting for up to six hours, and with no timely updates, many were unsure if their flight would ever take off.

The Global Ripple Effect: How These Disruptions Are Impacting Travel Plans

The effects of these flight disruptions are far-reaching, extending well beyond the airports of Jakarta, Manila, Chengdu, and Xi’an Xianyang. The global air travel network is deeply interconnected, meaning that delays at these major Asian airports are rippling through international hubs across Europe, North America, and Australia.

Travelers bound for destinations like London, Dubai, New York, and Sydney are now facing the consequences of these disruptions, with many unable to make connecting flights. For some, the delays have turned what was meant to be a relaxing vacation or business trip into a stressful journey, with missed opportunities and lost time as a result of the ongoing flight cancellations.

The lack of communication from airlines has exacerbated the situation, with many passengers unable to get the information they need to make informed decisions about their travel. As a result, passenger frustration is at an all-time high, with many taking to social media to vent their anger and dissatisfaction with the airlines involved.

What Travelers Can Do

For those affected by the disruptions, there are several steps you can take to ensure you’re informed and your travel is managed effectively. First, stay in touch with the airline via their official websites, social media channels, and customer service lines. Many airlines are now offering real-time updates, which can help you understand where you stand with your flight.

Second, if your flight is delayed or canceled, be sure to ask the airline about rebooking options, compensation, or even alternative transportation if necessary. Many affected passengers have found that rebooking on a different airline or route has been a viable solution, though it’s important to be persistent and clear when requesting alternatives.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Challenge of Managing Flight Disruptions

The ongoing flight disruptions across Indonesia, the Philippines, China, and beyond serve as a wake-up call for the aviation industry. With travel demand continuing to rise, it’s clear that airports and airlines must do more to improve operational efficiency, customer service, and communication with passengers.

For now, travelers are left to cope with the chaos, hoping that future disruptions will be less severe and better managed. Airlines and airport authorities have the chance to use this experience to rebuild trust with their passengers, ensuring that when disruptions do occur, travelers are better supported and informed.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware