Thousands of Passengers Grounded in Asia as Air China, Shenzhen, Malaysia, Philippine, Tibet, Batik Air, and More Cancel 127 Flights with 962 Delays, Triggering Major Chaos Across Harbin, Shanghai, Manila, Singapore, Jakarta, and Beyond!

Published on December 19, 2025

In a major disruption affecting air travel across Asia, thousands of passengers have been left stranded due to the cancellation of 127 flights and the delay of 962 others. Airlines such as Air China, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Malaysia, and Batik Air have borne the brunt of the flight chaos, creating ripple effects across key international hubs. Passengers are scrambling to find alternative arrangements as they deal with cancelled trips, missed connections, and a lack of clarity on rebooking procedures. Airports in major cities like Harbin, Shanghai, Manila, and Singapore have become the focal points of frustration for travelers worldwide.

Overview of Cancellations and Delays

This unprecedented wave of cancellations and delays has significantly impacted travelers across multiple airports, with 127 flights grounded and an additional 962 delayed. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the airlines involved and the scope of the disruptions:

The total number of cancellations alone is staggering—127 flights—while delays have stretched across multiple destinations with 962 instances recorded. As a result, major airports across Asia are facing massive disruptions.

Major Affected Airports Analysis

Several major airports have borne the brunt of these flight disruptions, leaving passengers caught in lengthy delays and confusion. Here’s how the situation has unfolded in key cities:

1. Harbin – Affected significantly by Air China and China Eastern cancellations, Harbin Airport saw the highest number of cancellations due to poor weather conditions. With over 40 flights canceled, the airport was clogged with frustrated travelers.
2. Shanghai – As a critical international hub, Shanghai experienced extensive delays, particularly in connection to China Eastern and Air China, whose combined flight cancellations and delays reached over 200. Passengers on international and domestic routes faced severe disruptions.
3. Chengdu – Chengdu’s Shuangliu International Airport faced delays and cancellations due to operational issues and weather disruptions. The 20 canceled flights and 32 delays severely impacted both domestic and international travelers.
4. Manila – The Philippine capital, a key gateway to Southeast Asia, experienced major disruptions as Philippine Airlines contributed to cancellations. Despite some international flights being rescheduled, travelers reported extended waits at terminals.
5. Singapore – Singapore Changi Airport, often regarded as one of the world’s most efficient airports, saw a sharp rise in delays, primarily due to connecting flights affected by the widespread flight chaos. Despite efforts to streamline operations, 60 delays were recorded from Malaysia Airlines alone.

This domino effect has caused a ripple across airports beyond these cities as connecting flights from various hubs have been delayed, leading to broader travel turmoil.

Cause of Cancellations

The cause of these widespread cancellations and delays is multi-faceted. Several factors have played a role in the severity of the disruptions:

1. Weather-Related Issues – A number of cancellations were driven by unpredictable weather conditions, particularly in airports located in the northern regions of China and Southeast Asia. Harbin, Chengdu, and Shanghai airports reported low visibility and stormy weather that led to aircraft groundings.
2. Operational Shortages and Staff Challenges – Many airlines, especially China Eastern and Air China, faced staffing shortages that delayed turnaround times and caused flights to miss scheduled departures. The increase in demand for travel has not been fully met by staffing levels, leading to cascading delays.
3. Air Traffic Control Bottlenecks – Airports like Shanghai and Singapore reported overcrowded air traffic, which caused delays in flight departures. The congested airspace over East Asia during peak hours made it difficult for aircraft to depart on time.
4. Technical Failures – Several of the affected airlines, including China Southern and Shenzhen, experienced technical issues that grounded flights. These technical malfunctions required extensive checks and inspections, leading to delayed takeoffs.

Impact on Travel and Passengers

The impact of this widespread flight disruption is deeply felt by passengers who are left in uncertainty and frustration. Thousands of travelers are experiencing hours of waiting in crowded terminals, scrambling to find alternative routes or accommodations.

• Passenger Frustration: With over 960 delays, many travelers are reporting significant disruptions to their travel plans. Long queues for customer service have added to the confusion, with passengers finding it difficult to get timely information regarding their rebookings.
• Missed Connections: For international travelers, missed connections are a common issue. With airlines struggling to rebook passengers onto other flights, travelers are stranded in airports across Asia, facing a prolonged wait before they can continue their journey.
• Economic Consequences: Airports and local businesses around these disrupted areas have seen a decline in foot traffic. Additionally, airlines are incurring heavy losses due to the large number of canceled flights, with many needing to compensate passengers for accommodation and meal expenses.

What Passengers Can Do Now

For those traveling during this chaotic period, here are some practical tips to help navigate the delays and cancellations:

1. Stay Informed: Always keep an eye on real-time flight information through your airline’s app, airport displays, or websites. Many airlines, including Air China and China Eastern, are offering live updates on cancellations and delays.
2. Consider Rebooking Early: If your flight is canceled, try rebooking as soon as possible to secure an alternative flight. Be prepared for long wait times, but it’s better to get ahead of the crowd.
3. Check for Compensation: If your flight is delayed or canceled, inquire about compensation options. Airlines are often required to provide vouchers for meals or accommodations if the delay exceeds a certain time.
4. Keep Essentials with You: Pack essential items like medications, snacks, and entertainment in your carry-on, as you may face long waiting periods. It’s also wise to keep an extra set of clothes and toiletries in case of overnight delays.
5. Use Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, contact your provider immediately to understand what expenses are covered in case of cancellations or delays. Insurance can help mitigate the costs of hotel stays, meals, and rescheduled flights.

Conclusion

The widespread cancellations and delays affecting flights across Asia—resulting in 127 cancellations and 962 delays—have created a storm of confusion and frustration for travelers. With major airlines struggling to cope with weather, operational challenges, and staffing shortages, passengers are facing uncertainty in both domestic and international travel. As airports work to resolve the issues and airlines strive to rebook stranded passengers, travelers are advised to remain flexible and stay updated on flight statuses. This disruption serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for unexpected delays and considering travel insurance for future journeys.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware