Over 603 Delays and 51 Flight Cancellations Hit China, Indonesia with Batik Air, China Southern, Air China, and Other Airlines facing Widespread Travel Chaos, Leaving Thousands of Passengers Isolated Across, Beijing, Jakarta, Chengdu and Beyond

Published on December 13, 2025

Flight cancellations and delays have caused widespread disruptions across key airports in Asia, including Beijing Capital International (PEK), Shenzhen Bao’an International (SZX), and Jakarta-Soekarno-Hatta International (CGK). The total number of delayed flights in these regions stands at 603, with 51 flights cancelled. These interruptions have affected passengers traveling to multiple destinations, causing significant inconvenience.

Overview of the Situation: Delays and Cancellations

Airlines and passengers alike are facing a challenging situation as a result of unexpected flight cancellations and delays at some of Asia’s busiest airports. The total number of flight cancellations across five major airports, including Beijing and Shenzhen, has left passengers stranded or rebooked onto later flights. While the reasons for these cancellations vary, weather conditions and operational issues are often cited as key factors. With a total of 603 delayed flights, airports have been overwhelmed with large crowds of frustrated travelers.

Flight Cancellations and Delays Breakdown

To better understand the scale of the disruptions, here’s a detailed breakdown of the cancelled and delayed flights across the affected airports:

Causes of Delays and Cancellations

The causes behind these disruptions are multifaceted. Weather conditions, such as heavy storms and high winds, are often the leading cause of delays and cancellations in the region. Additionally, operational issues like staffing shortages or aircraft technical malfunctions can also contribute to delays. As airlines scramble to manage the disruptions, logistical challenges add further pressure on airport operations, leading to flight cancellations.

In Beijing, for example, bad weather has been a persistent issue, contributing to the 22 cancellations and a significant number of delays. Similarly, Shenzhen has seen over 190 delays due to operational issues within the airport. These factors not only delay travelers’ journeys but also strain the resources of airports, leading to overcrowded terminals and increased frustration.

Effect on Passengers

The impact on passengers has been substantial. Travelers have faced long waits at the airports, often with limited information regarding the status of their flights. In many cases, passengers had to be rebooked on later flights, creating confusion and frustration. The cancellations affected both domestic and international routes, leading to disruptions in key travel corridors.

For example, flights from Beijing Capital International (PEK) were cancelled to destinations such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou. Similarly, flights from Shenzhen were cancelled to cities across Southeast Asia, including Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. These cancellations caused significant inconvenience for tourists, business travelers, and local residents alike, with many missing important connections.

Key Affected Destinations

The cancellations primarily impacted flights to and from major cities across Asia. Beijing’s flight cancellations were among the most significant, with 22 flights axed, many of which were domestic routes to cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou. Shenzhen, another critical hub, saw 14 cancellations, impacting key regional connections to cities like Singapore and Hong Kong.

Jakarta-Soekarno-Hatta International (CGK) also reported 140 delayed flights and two cancellations, mainly affecting routes to Kuala Lumpur and Bali. Chengdu Tianfu International (TFU) had fewer cancellations, but 91 delays impacted passengers traveling to other major Chinese cities like Xi’an and Chongqing.

Impact on Local Tourism and Economic Activities

The cancellation of flights and the resulting delays have not only affected travelers but also local tourism and the broader economic activities in these regions. Popular tourist destinations, such as Beijing, Shenzhen, and Jakarta, have seen a decrease in visitor numbers due to the disruptions, leading to economic losses for local businesses.

Tourists who planned to visit cultural sites, theme parks, or major landmarks have found their travel plans severely impacted, leading to a loss of interest in these destinations during peak travel seasons. Additionally, business travelers attending conferences or meetings in the affected regions have had their schedules derailed, which can have long-term effects on the business climate.

Advice for Passengers: What You Can Do

Travelers affected by cancellations and delays are advised to stay in constant communication with their airlines to receive updates about flight status. Many airlines are offering rebooking options for canceled flights, though these services are often subject to availability. It is recommended that passengers check their flight status regularly, especially in times of high disruption, to make informed decisions.

Airports are also advising travelers to arrive early, as long delays and overcrowding may increase the time needed for security checks and boarding. Additionally, passengers should consider looking into travel insurance to cover potential costs related to flight cancellations or delays.

Looking Ahead: What’s Being Done to Improve the Situation?

As the aviation industry continues to deal with these disruptions, airlines and airport authorities are working together to address the underlying causes and prevent future delays and cancellations. Efforts are being made to improve operational efficiency, streamline communication systems, and enhance passenger services during periods of high congestion. While these disruptions are inevitable from time to time, the hope is that more proactive measures will reduce their frequency and impact.

Despite the challenges, the aviation industry is committed to improving the passenger experience and ensuring that these disruptions become less frequent as travel demand increases.

(Data Source: FlightAware)