Thousands of Passengers Trapped in Asia for 887 Delays and 62 Cancellations by China Eastern, Hainan, Jetstar, ANA Wings, Malaysia, Batik air, Garuda and more airlines, Causing Chaos across Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, Jakarta, Bangkok, Fukuoka and beyond

Published on December 15, 2025

A massive disruption in Asia’s air travel network has stranded thousands of passengers, causing chaos across multiple airports in the region. With 887 delays and 62 cancellations, major airlines such as China Eastern, Hainan, Jetstar, ANA, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Batik Air, and Garuda have left passengers with no choice but to cope with the fallout. From the bustling airports in Beijing, Shanghai, and Tokyo to Jakarta, Bangkok, and Fukuoka, travelers have been facing long waits, missed connections, and the uncertainty of rescheduled flights. As the situation continues to unfold, it’s clear that the disruption is wreaking havoc not just on travel plans, but on the broader tourism industry, with knock-on effects for local businesses and services.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the cancellations and delays, examining the causes, impact, and offering advice for passengers on how to cope with the ongoing disruption.

Overview of Total Cancellations and Delays

The number of cancellations and delays across major airports in Asia is staggering. A total of 62 cancellations and 887 delays have been reported, with some airports experiencing more severe disruptions than others. In a region known for its high passenger volume, these disruptions are having a massive ripple effect, impacting both international and domestic travelers.

The following table outlines the total number of cancellations and delays at key airports across Asia:

Major Affected Airports Analysis

Several major airports in Asia have been severely impacted by the wave of cancellations and delays. These airports, which serve as critical hubs for international and domestic flights, are experiencing significant operational challenges. Passengers have reported long waits, lack of communication from airlines, and a scramble for rebooking options.

Shanghai Hongqiao and Beijing Capital Airports

Shanghai Hongqiao and Beijing Capital airports have seen some of the most significant disruptions. With 82 delays at Shanghai Hongqiao and 65 delays at Beijing Capital, passengers traveling through these airports have been severely impacted. The delays have caused long queues at check-in counters and security, as well as confusion in the terminal as people wait for flight updates. The disruption at Beijing Capital, China’s busiest airport, is especially concerning, given the airport’s high passenger volume and its status as a key international travel hub.

New Chitose Airport

New Chitose Airport, located in Hokkaido, Japan, reported 8 cancellations and a staggering 144 delays. This airport serves as a gateway to Japan’s northern regions and is a major hub for both domestic and international flights. The delays here have caused massive congestion in the terminal, with passengers trying to find alternative routes and rebook flights on short notice.

Jakarta-Soekarno-Hatta Airport

Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport saw 111 delays and 2 cancellations, making it one of the most severely impacted airports outside China and Japan. As Indonesia’s busiest airport, this level of disruption has caused havoc for travelers trying to reach international destinations or make domestic connections.

Tokyo

Tokyo, one of Asia’s most well-known travel destinations, has not been spared. The airport reported 3 cancellations and 50 delays, significantly affecting both inbound and outbound flights. Travelers attempting to reach destinations across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. have been left in limbo as they await updates on their rescheduled flights.

Beijing Daxing and Chengdu Tianfu

Both Beijing Daxing and Chengdu Tianfu airports, which have become increasingly important for domestic and international flights, have seen significant delays—94 at Daxing and 45 at Chengdu. These airports have faced challenges related to aircraft availability and logistical inefficiencies, adding to the strain already placed on the broader network of Asian air travel.

Cause of Cancellations

The causes behind the wave of cancellations and delays are multifaceted, with operational inefficiencies and adverse weather conditions playing central roles.

Weather-related Disruptions

Weather has been one of the most significant contributors to the disruptions. Particularly in airports like New Chitose and Tokyo, adverse weather conditions, such as snowstorms and heavy rainfall, have caused delays. Poor visibility and difficult flying conditions have also grounded flights, especially in airports located in regions prone to extreme weather.

Operational Challenges

Airports like Beijing Capital, Shanghai Hongqiao, and Jakarta-Soekarno-Hatta have faced severe challenges. Staffing shortages, aircraft maintenance issues, and air traffic control bottlenecks have exacerbated the delays. These challenges are particularly pressing in major hubs with high traffic, where even minor disruptions can lead to a cascade of delays and cancellations.

Airline-specific Issues

Airlines, including China Eastern, Hainan, Jetstar, and ANA, have also contributed to the widespread disruption. Crew scheduling issues, technical difficulties, and aircraft availability have all been cited as reasons for delays. These airlines are working to manage the backlog, but with such a high volume of passengers affected, it has proven difficult to clear the disruption quickly.

Impact on Travel and Passengers

The scale of the disruption has left passengers stranded in airports for extended periods, leading to significant emotional and financial stress. Thousands of passengers have missed connecting flights, leading to cascading delays throughout the network. For those with tight schedules or important meetings, the disruptions have had significant consequences.

• Missed Connections: Many passengers have found themselves stranded without connecting flights, leading to a ripple effect across international and domestic routes. For passengers with connecting flights in different cities, the ongoing delays have made it almost impossible to adhere to original itineraries.
• Accommodation Shortages: With so many passengers stranded, airport hotels and local accommodations are facing overwhelming demand. Many travelers have been forced to find last-minute accommodations or sleep in airport terminals, adding to the frustration.
• Financial and Emotional Stress: The costs associated with finding new flights, hotel bookings, and meals have caused significant financial strain for many passengers. The emotional toll is equally evident, as long waits, lack of information, and missed travel plans have taken a toll on both leisure and business travelers alike.

Advice for Passengers

For passengers facing disruptions, here are some essential tips to make navigating the chaos a bit more manageable:

• Stay Informed: Continuously check flight status with your airline and the airport. Use mobile apps or official websites for real-time updates. Stay connected with customer service for rebooking information.
• Seek Compensation: Depending on the nature of the cancellation or delay, passengers may be entitled to compensation or hotel vouchers. Make sure to inquire about your rights at the airline’s customer service desk.
• Look for Alternatives: If your flight is significantly delayed or cancelled, inquire about alternative flights, possibly on other airlines. Being flexible can sometimes open up better options.
• Pack Essentials: Bring snacks, entertainment, and any essentials you might need to stay comfortable during long waits. Airport terminals can be crowded and uncomfortable during delays, so be prepared for extended waiting periods.
• Stay Calm and Patient: Although the situation is frustrating, try to stay calm and patient. Airline staff and airport personnel are working hard to resolve the disruptions as quickly as possible.

Conclusion

The flight cancellations and delays across Asia, totaling 887 delays and 62 cancellations, have disrupted the travel plans of thousands of passengers. With key airports in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Jakarta facing severe operational challenges, it is clear that these disruptions have had far-reaching consequences. The causes behind the cancellations range from weather-related issues to airline-specific operational inefficiencies.

Passengers affected by the chaos are advised to stay informed, remain flexible with their travel plans, and seek compensation where applicable. While these disruptions have caused significant inconvenience, airlines and airports are working to return to normal operations as quickly as possible. As the situation unfolds, it is important for travelers to be patient and prepared for potential further delays in the coming day.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware