Passengers across Heilongjiang, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Beijing, Shanghai and more in Travel Conundrum as China Eastern Airlines Grounds 20 Flights and Delays 380, New Update

Published on December 20, 2025

Air travel across China is currently facing a significant period of adjustment. China Eastern Airlines has reported a substantial number of operational disruptions, starting on 19th and continuing on 20th December, 2025. These changes directly impact major travel hubs and regional gateways alike. Specifically, travelers in Heilongjiang, Zhejiang and Sichuan are experiencing unexpected shifts in their flight itineraries. Furthermore, the busy air corridors surrounding Beijing and Shanghai have seen a high volume of delays and cancellations. This situation creates a complex puzzle for both business professionals and tourists. Passengers must now navigate a landscape of 380 delayed flights and 20 total cancellations. This report examines the specific routes and aircraft involved in these schedule changes. By understanding the scale of these disruptions, travelers can better prepare for their upcoming journeys across the mainland.

A Breakdown of the Affected Flights

The operational footprint of China Eastern Airlines during this period involved a diverse range of aircraft, from narrow-body Airbus models to domestically produced jets. Based on the flight logs, the Airbus A320 and A319 were heavily utilized on routes connecting secondary cities to major capitals.

Notably, the deployment of the COMAC C919 (flight CES9187) between Shanghai Hongqiao and Sichuan’s Chengdu Tianfu International highlights that even flagship, modern services were included in the scheduled roster. Other aircraft types identified in the flight data include the Airbus A321, Boeing 737-800 and the ARJ21, representing a broad cross-section of the China Eastern Airlines fleet.

The logistical network of China Eastern Airlines spans the breadth of the country and the affected routes reflect this wide reach. Key corridors connecting the East and West were prominently featured, such as the Hangzhou to Chengdu (CES6184) and Shanghai to Chongqing (CES5493) routes.

Northern routes were also represented, with flights scheduled between Heihe in Heilongjiang and Harbin, as well as services into Beijing Daxing International. The data further reveals significant movement through the Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA) hubs, which served as primary nodes for flights heading to destinations like Yibin, Hefei and Jieyang.

Delays

With 380 delays reported, the 17% delay rate indicates a systemic impact on the carrier’s punctuality. These delays were not confined to a specific time of day; schedules from the early morning through to late-night arrivals were all part of the affected timeline.

Affected Airports

Probable Impact on Local Tourism

The disruption of 400 total flights (cancellations and delays) inevitably resonates through the local tourism sectors of the involved provinces. In Heilongjiang, where regional connectivity is vital for winter and nature tourism, delays can interrupt tight travel itineraries. Similarly, in Sichuan and Zhejiang, which are major magnets for both domestic and international visitors, the inconsistency in flight timings can lead to missed hotel reservations and shortened stays at cultural landmarks.

As China Eastern Airlines is a primary carrier for these regions, the ripple effect on local hospitality, ground transportation and tour operators is often substantial when nearly one-fifth of scheduled flights do not depart on time.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For those currently navigating the travel conundrum presented by China Eastern Airlines, several professional steps are recommended. Passengers are advised to monitor the official carrier app and airport flight boards for real-time updates. Since 20 flights were grounded, those on cancelled routes should seek rebooking options or refunds through the original point of purchase.

In cases of significant delays at major hubs like Beijing or Shanghai, travelers may be entitled to amenities depending on the duration of the wait and the carrier’s specific conditions of carriage. It is essential for documentation to be maintained for any subsequent claims regarding travel insurance or airline compensation.

-The information provided is sourced from FlightAware.