Thousands of Passengers Stranded as 60 Flights Axed and 977 Postponed Across China, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan by China Express, Air China, and Chengdu Airlines—What You Need to Know About the Affected Routes and Rebooking Options

Published on December 21, 2025

In recent days, severe weather conditions have wreaked havoc on travel plans across Asia, as three major airlines—China Express, Air China, and Chengdu Airlines—were forced to cancel numerous flights due to poor weather conditions. The cancellations have affected thousands of passengers traveling within and outside China, impacting key routes across the country and neighboring regions like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. These disruptions have caused significant inconvenience, delays, and changes in plans for both domestic and international travelers. Passengers have been left stranded at airports, scrambling for alternate travel arrangements as flights were grounded due to snowstorms, heavy rainfall, and other adverse weather conditions. The affected airlines have been working to rebook passengers on alternative flights, but the challenges of rebooking thousands of passengers have led to frustration for many travelers.

The Impact on Passengers: Chaos at Airports

The cancellations caused major disruptions at multiple airports. Passengers were left dealing with the frustration of long queues, lack of timely information, and uncertainty about when they would be able to travel. Many were forced to rebook flights for the following days, while others had to seek alternative transportation options, such as trains or buses, to their destinations. Some travelers were also faced with the added stress of dealing with hotel accommodations as they waited for new flights.

Families, business travelers, and holidaymakers alike were all impacted by the sudden cancellations. For many, their long-planned vacations or important business trips were abruptly halted, leaving them wondering when or how they would reach their destinations. The emotional toll on passengers was high, with many travelers expressing dissatisfaction with how the situation was handled by the airlines.

Main Airports Affected by Cancellations

The severe weather caused the most significant disruptions at the following airports:

China Express

• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK / ZBAA): As the largest and busiest airport in China, PEK saw numerous cancellations from China Express flights, affecting passengers traveling to and from multiple domestic destinations.
• Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC / ZWWW): A key hub in the far west of China, this airport faced heavy disruptions as flights were canceled due to poor weather conditions.
• Shihezi Huayuan Airport (SHF / ZWHZ): Located in the Xinjiang region, this airport was also severely impacted, with multiple canceled flights on China Express routes.

Air China

• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK / ZBAA): Similar to China Express, Air China also saw significant cancellations, particularly to destinations like Yibin, Yichang, and Xining.
• Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX / ZBAD): With multiple Air China flights being canceled, this newer airport was not spared from the disruption.
• Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU / ZUUU): Chengdu, an important international gateway, experienced disruptions due to bad weather, particularly affecting travelers heading to destinations like Chengdu and Huangyan.

Chengdu Airlines

• Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU / ZUTF): Located in Sichuan Province, Chengdu Airlines was heavily impacted, with several flights canceled due to inclement weather.
• Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU / ZUUU): Similar to Air China, Chengdu Airlines also experienced cancellations here, causing major disruptions for travelers heading to various destinations.

Key Areas Affected by Cancellations

The following key areas experienced disruptions due to the cancellations:

China Express

• Urumqi: As a regional hub, Urumqi was one of the most affected cities. The cancellations disrupted travel for both domestic and international passengers.
• Shihezi: Located in Xinjiang, Shihezi’s flight schedule was disrupted, with multiple cancellations leaving passengers stranded.
• Aksu: The remote city of Aksu was also affected, with travelers forced to wait for rebooked flights to reach their destinations.

Air China

• Beijing: The capital city was hit hardest, with multiple cancellations at Beijing Capital and Beijing Daxing airports, which are key hubs for domestic and international flights.
• Yibin: Travelers flying to and from Yibin were significantly affected by the cancellations.
• Yichang and Xining: Both cities experienced flight disruptions due to the weather, with many passengers unable to travel as scheduled.

Chengdu Airlines

• Chengdu: Chengdu, a major tourist and business hub in southwest China, was affected by flight cancellations from Chengdu Airlines, causing a ripple effect for travelers heading to both domestic and international destinations.
• Tianfu: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, a newer but important airport in the region, experienced disruptions with multiple flights canceled.

Affected Routes and Key Cities for Each Airline

China Express

• Shihezi to Korla: Flights between these two cities were grounded due to bad weather in the Xinjiang region.
• Jiangbulake to Hami: Passengers were affected by weather delays on flights between these destinations in western China.
• Aksu to Shihezi: Another major route hit by weather disruptions was between Aksu and Shihezi, leaving passengers stranded.

Air China

• Beijing to Yibin: Flights from Beijing to Yibin were canceled, affecting thousands of passengers who were planning to visit the southwestern region.
• Beijing to Yichang: This route was another casualty of the bad weather, leaving passengers stranded at Beijing Capital International Airport.
• Beijing to Xining: Weather conditions impacted flights from Beijing to Xining, a critical route for travelers heading to western China.

Chengdu Airlines

• Chengdu to Urumqi: The route between Chengdu and Urumqi was severely disrupted, with many travelers facing flight cancellations.
• Chengdu to Altay: Chengdu Airlines was forced to cancel flights to Altay, causing considerable inconvenience for passengers.
• Chengdu to Huangyan: Flights between Chengdu and Huangyan were also grounded due to adverse weather, further contributing to the travel chaos.

Flight Cancellations Table: China Express

Flight Cancellations Table: Air China

Flight Cancellations Table – Chengdu Airlines

Resilience Amidst Chaos: How Asia’s Tourism Can Overcome the Storm

The storm may have disrupted travel plans across Asia, but it also presents an opportunity for both airlines and travelers to evolve and build resilience for the future. While weather-induced flight cancellations have left thousands stranded, the industry is proving its ability to adapt. Airlines are already ramping up their operations, adding more flights, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve rebooking processes. But recovery doesn’t solely depend on the airlines—it requires a collaborative effort from passengers, travel planners, and governments alike.

What Travelers Need to Do: Tips for Navigating Disruptions

For passengers affected by cancellations, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Here are some actionable tips to help you navigate disruptions effectively:

1. Stay Informed: With real-time flight tracking apps and airline notifications, always stay updated on your flight’s status. This will help you make informed decisions about rebooking and alternative travel options, like trains or buses, if necessary.
2. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your airline’s policies on cancellations, compensation, and rebooking. Many airlines offer reimbursement for meals, accommodation, or alternate flights when your plans are disrupted due to weather.
3. Prepare for the Unexpected: Always pack essential items in your carry-on bag, such as medication, toiletries, and chargers. Being self-sufficient during long delays can make the experience less stressful.
4. Be Flexible with Travel Dates: When rebooking flights, try to stay flexible with your travel dates and destinations. The sooner you act, the better your chances of securing alternative arrangements.
5. Travel Insurance: For frequent travelers, investing in travel insurance can provide peace of mind, particularly when dealing with cancellations due to unforeseen weather conditions. Insurance often covers non-refundable travel costs, such as hotels and excursions.

Turning the Crisis into Opportunity: Tourism’s Path to Rebirth

While the aviation industry works diligently to resolve the challenges, the wider tourism sector must also capitalize on this period of recovery to strengthen itself. Key regional destinations should focus on enhancing infrastructure, streamlining visa processes, and developing strategies to manage surges in tourist arrivals, especially during peak seasons.

Governments can support the recovery through targeted campaigns that encourage domestic travel. Promotions and discounts for local attractions, hotels, and experiences can inspire travelers to explore nearby destinations. For international tourists, information on how weather events are being managed can help rebuild confidence in long-term travel.

A New Era of Travel: Strengthening Resilience for the Future

Looking ahead, Asia’s travel industry is poised to emerge stronger and more resilient. The recent disruptions highlight the importance of flexibility, preparation, and adaptive thinking, both from airlines and travelers. As the industry pivots to meet future challenges, there is a clear opportunity for both sectors to prioritize sustainability and technology-driven solutions. With robust contingency planning, enhanced communication channels, and a focus on customer experience, the industry will continue to thrive, ensuring that disruptions like these only serve as a stepping stone toward an even brighter future.

As travelers return to the skies, the lessons learned from this turbulent period will undoubtedly shape a more resilient, efficient, and customer-focused aviation ecosystem. While the road to recovery may be long, the tourism industry is already laying the foundation for a stronger, more adaptable future.