Thousands of Travelers Affected in Asia as 93 Flights were Cancelled and 490 Flights were Delayed at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, Beijing Capital International, Chengdu Tianfu, Shanghai Pudong And More

Published on December 10, 2025

Thousands of travelers across Asia were disrupted as major flight cancellations and delays hit several major airports in the region. Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, Beijing Capital International Airport, Chengdu Tianfu, Shanghai Pudong, and more experienced significant operational setbacks. A total of 93 flights were cancelled, and 490 flights were delayed, causing chaos for passengers and affecting international and domestic travel. These disruptions have had a severe impact on tourism and business travelers alike, with many left stranded and scrambling for alternate routes.

As many passengers face unexpected interruptions to their journeys, the tourism industry in these regions is also grappling with the consequences. From the bustling streets of Beijing to the scenic beauty of Chengdu, each affected airport serves as a gateway to some of the country’s most iconic destinations. With travel disruptions mounting, it is important to understand the reasons behind the cancellations, the key affected destinations, and the broader implications for tourism. Here’s an in-depth look at the ongoing disruptions and what it means for travelers.

1. Urumqi Diwopu International Airport

• Cancellations: 51 flights
• Delays: 89 flights

Key Affected Destinations:

• Flights from Urumqi to major hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have been significantly impacted.

Impact on Tourism:

• Tourism in Urumqi and surrounding regions has faced a setback, especially as the region attracts both domestic and international visitors. Key attractions like the Tian Shan mountains and the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar are seeing reduced footfall due to travel disruptions.

Cancelled Arrivals of Urumqi Diwopu Int’l Airport 

2. Beijing Capital International Airport

• Cancellations: 18 flights
• Delays: 44 flights

Key Affected Destinations:

• International flights to major destinations like Paris, Tokyo, and New York have been affected, along with domestic flights to Chengdu and Xi’an.

Impact on Tourism:

• The cancellations have a direct impact on both inbound and outbound tourism. As one of China’s busiest international gateways, Beijing’s tourism industry, which thrives on international travel, is facing short-term setbacks.

Cancelled Arrivals of Beijing Capital Int’l Airport

3. Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

• Cancellations: 8 flights
• Delays: 63 flights

Key Affected Destinations:

• Flights to and from Chengdu to international destinations such as Singapore and Sydney, as well as domestic flights to Shenzhen and Guangzhou, have been canceled.

Impact on Tourism:

• Chengdu, known for its rich cultural heritage, including the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, has seen a drop in visitors due to the disruption in air connectivity.

Cancelled Arrivals of Chengdu Tianfu Int’l Airport

4. Shanghai Pudong International Airport

• Cancellations: 6 flights
• Delays: 76 flights

Key Affected Destinations:

• International flights to London, Frankfurt, and New York were particularly impacted.

Impact on Tourism:

• Shanghai, one of the most visited cities in China, has been impacted by the delays. Tourists planning to explore the city’s iconic skyline or visit the Bund may face challenges due to flight delays and cancellations.

Cancelled Arrivals of Shanghai Pudong Int’l Airport

5. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

• Cancellations: 5 flights
• Delays: 47 flights

Key Affected Destinations:

• Domestic flights to Beijing, Chengdu, and Guangzhou have been particularly affected by cancellations.

Impact on Tourism:

• With many travelers relying on Hongqiao for domestic connections, the disruptions are impacting tourism flow to both Shanghai and surrounding regions.

Cancelled Arrivals of Shanghai Hongqiao Int’l Airport

6. Beijing Daxing International Airport

• Cancellations: 3 flights
• Delays: 34 flights

Key Affected Destinations:

• Flights from Beijing Daxing to international hubs like Seoul, Tokyo, and Dubai have been impacted.

Impact on Tourism:

• Beijing Daxing, one of the newest airports in China, serves as a vital link for international tourists. Its development was aimed at boosting tourism, and these disruptions could hinder its growth as a travel hub.

Cancelled Arrivals of Beijing Daxing International Airport

7. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

• Cancellations: 2 flights
• Delays: 137 flights

Key Affected Destinations:

• International destinations such as Bangkok and Hong Kong were notably affected.

Impact on Tourism:

• Guangzhou, a major commercial and tourism hub, has seen a sharp decrease in travel during these delays. This has especially affected tourists visiting Canton Tower and other local attractions.

Cancelled Arrivals of Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l Airport

Conclusion:

The ongoing flight cancellations and delays at several key airports in China are causing significant disruptions for travelers, and they are having a ripple effect on local tourism industries. With major airports like Urumqi Diwopu, Beijing Capital, Chengdu Tianfu, Shanghai Pudong, Shanghai Hongqiao, Beijing Daxing, and Guangzhou Baiyun facing operational hurdles, travelers should be prepared for long delays and cancellations. For those planning to visit China’s iconic tourist spots, these disruptions could affect their ability to reach top destinations like the Great Wall of China, Chengdu’s pandas, and Shanghai’s famous skyline.

As these airports work to resolve operational issues, it’s crucial for travelers to stay informed and consider alternative routes or modes of transportation when possible. For the tourism industry, the focus now shifts to minimizing the impact on visitors and ensuring that travelers can enjoy a seamless experience despite these challenges. If you’re planning a trip to China in the coming weeks, it’s important to keep a close eye on flight statuses and be prepared for potential changes to your travel plans.

Source:- FlightAware and Different Airports