Thousands of Travelers Disrupted in Asia as Beijing Capital Airport, Beijing Daxing, Zhengzhou Xinzheng, Tokyo International Cancelled 85 Flights and 274 Flights were Delayed Between Shanghai, Yichang, Wuhan and others

Published on December 12, 2025

Thousands of travelers across Asia are facing severe disruptions as major airports, including Beijing Capital International, Beijing Daxing, Zhengzhou Xinzheng International, and Tokyo International Airport, report extensive flight cancellations and delays. A staggering 85 flights have been cancelled and 274 flights delayed, causing significant chaos for passengers scheduled to travel to and from key cities such as Shanghai, Yichang, Wuhan, and other popular destinations. The cause of these disruptions ranges from weather-related issues, including winter storms, to operational strains at some of Asia’s busiest airports. With the holiday season in full swing, the ripple effect of these cancellations is expected to affect both leisure and business travelers. As airlines scramble to adjust, travelers are advised to stay updated on flight statuses and consider alternative routes to minimize delays.

The causes behind these cancellations vary, but they all have a direct impact on international travelers and holiday plans. Passengers flying into or out of these bustling airports should be prepared for potential delays, cancelled flights, and additional logistical hurdles. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the details surrounding the cancellations, the affected destinations, and how these disruptions are impacting the tourism industry.

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) – 32 Flights Cancelled, 72 Delayed

• Total Flights Affected: 32 Cancellations, 77 Delays

Beijing Capital International Airport, the busiest airport in China and a major international hub, has seen a high level of operational strain due to heavy winter traffic. The airport is known for handling both domestic and international flights, including popular routes to cities like New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo.

Key Affected Destinations:

• International Flights: Destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and North America have been significantly impacted.
• Domestic Routes: Key Chinese cities such as Shanghai, Chengdu, also reported delays and cancellations, creating additional travel stress for tourists heading to China’s cultural and economic hotspots.

Tourism Impact:

For travelers arriving at or departing from Beijing, delays and cancellations can disrupt not only flight schedules but also hotel bookings and local transportation. Popular tourist destinations like the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace may also be affected by a sudden surge in foot traffic due to delayed travelers.

Cancelled Arrivals of Beijing Capital Int’l Airport

Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) – 22 Flights Cancelled, 28 Delayed

• Total Flights Affected: 24 Cancellations, 27 Delays

Beijing Daxing International Airport, the newer of Beijing’s two major airports, has also experienced significant flight disruptions. While its operations are more focused on domestic and regional flights, it serves as a crucial gateway for Chinese travelers heading to and from Asia, particularly to destinations like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Seoul.

Key Affected Destinations:

• Regional Connections: Flights to popular regional tourist hubs have seen cancellations.
• Domestic Tourism: With many flights to Xi’an and Harbin grounded, domestic tourism, including trips to China’s ancient landmarks and winter festivals, has been severely disrupted.

Tourism Impact:

As one of the most significant international travel hubs in Beijing, the closure of many routes out of Daxing also creates a ripple effect and local transportation for tourists. The disruption of travel from Daxing could directly affect visitors planning trips to major tourist attractions across China.

Cancelled Arrivals of Beijing Daxing International Airport

Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO) – 21 Flights Cancelled, 25 Delayed

• Total Flights Affected: 21 Cancellations, 27 Delays

Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, located in central China, is an important hub for both domestic and international travelers.

Key Affected Destinations:

• Domestic Flights: Flights to major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou were among the hardest hit.
• International Travel: Zhengzhou also plays an important role in connecting tourists to destinations in Southeast Asia and Central Asia, though cancellations in these routes have significantly affected regional tourism.

Tourism Impact:

For tourists planning to visit Zhengzhou for its historical and cultural sites, these cancellations could mean missing out on experiences such as Shaolin Kung Fu performances or exploring ancient Buddhist temples. Additionally, disruptions to major connections.

Cancelled Arrivals of Zhengzhou Xinzheng Int’l Airport

Tokyo International Airport (Haneda, HND) – 8 Flights Cancelled, 143 Delayed

• Total Flights Affected: 8 Cancellations, 143 Delays

Tokyo International Airport (Haneda), one of the world’s busiest airports, also experienced major disruptions due to seasonal congestion. Haneda is a key entry point for international travelers visiting Japan, including tourists heading to Tokyo Disneyland, Mount Fuji, and the bustling metropolis of Tokyo itself.

Key Affected Destinations:

• International Routes: Flights to China, South Korea, and Taiwan have been heavily impacted.
• Domestic Flights: Routes to Sapporo, Osaka, and Fukuoka have also seen numerous delays, complicating domestic travel for tourists eager to experience Japan’s famous ski resorts or city attractions.

Tourism Impact:

Haneda is a major gateway for inbound tourism to Tokyo and the rest of Japan. These delays mean that tourists heading to Japan for winter holidays may experience significant disruptions in their travel plans. Popular activities, including skiing in Hokkaido or visiting temples in Kyoto, may be affected as tourists face uncertainty about their connections.

Cancelled Arrivals of Tokyo Int’l (Haneda) Airport

Conclusion

The current wave of flight cancellations and delays at Beijing Capital, Daxing, Zhengzhou, and Tokyo Haneda airports is a stark reminder of how seasonal and weather-related disruptions can affect air travel. For tourists planning to visit these destinations, it’s crucial to monitor flight statuses closely, remain flexible with travel dates, and confirm alternate routes and accommodations.

While these disruptions present significant challenges, they also underscore the importance of being well-prepared for travel during peak seasons. For those planning to visit China or Japan this winter, staying informed about the latest developments will ensure a smoother experience despite the ongoing disruptions. By keeping a close eye on airport announcements and exploring alternate transportation options such as rail services, tourists can better navigate the uncertainties posed by these widespread cancellations and delays.

Source:- FlightAware and Different Airports