Travel Disruptions Worsen in China as Southern, Eastern, Air China, Hainan Airlines and Others Cancel 151 Flights and Delay 1336, Stranding Passengers in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi’an, Hangzhou and Beyond

Written By: Antara Mitra

Antara Mitra

I am a content writing professional with an academic background in Journalism and Mass Communication. My professional journey began with academic research and content writing, where I developed strong research, analytical, and documentation skills. As I progressed in my career, I gained experience in creating website content, blogs, articles, and other forms of web content across diverse industries. I later expanded my experience into marketing copywriting, creating content for social media posts, reels, static creatives, website copy, and brand communication.

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April 28, 2026 3:54 PM |

Image generated with Ai

Recent flight disruptions across several major airports in China have caused significant chaos, with a total of 151 flight cancellations and 1336 delays. Passengers traveling through Shenzhen Bao’an International (SZX), Shanghai Hongqiao International (SHA), Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), Beijing Daxing International (PKX), Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN), Xi’an Xianyang International (XIY), Hefei Xinqiao Airport (HFE), and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International (HGH) have been left stranded or affected by long waits. This growing wave of delays and cancellations has affected travelers not only domestically but also internationally, causing widespread frustration across the aviation sector.

Overview of Cancellations and Delays

The current wave of flight disruptions has shaken the operations of China’s busiest airports. Below are the totals for cancellations and delays, reflecting the widespread impact on air travel:

• Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX): 57 cancellations, 276 delays
• Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA): 10 cancellations, 129 delays
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): 14 cancellations, 130 delays
• Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX): 11 cancellations, 118 delays
• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN): 34 cancellations, 375 delays
• Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY): 8 cancellations, 105 delays
• Hefei Xinqiao Airport (HFE): 11 cancellations, 42 delays
• Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH): 6 cancellations, 161 delays

The grand total of flight cancellations across these airports stands at 151, with a staggering 1336 delays disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers.

Causes of Cancellations and Delays

The reasons behind these disruptions vary, but some common causes have emerged across the affected airports:

1. Weather Conditions:
   Severe weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, fog, and heavy rainfall, have contributed to delays and cancellations, especially in areas with high humidity and unpredictable weather patterns. Airports in coastal regions like Shenzhen and Guangzhou have reported more cancellations due to adverse weather conditions affecting flight safety.
2. Air Traffic Congestion:
   Major Chinese airports, especially in highly populated cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, are experiencing air traffic congestion. This has led to significant delays as air traffic controllers manage a high volume of flights. Limited airspace and over-scheduled flight slots contribute to these bottlenecks, with multiple flights delayed or rerouted as a result.
3. Technical Issues with Aircraft:
   Mechanical issues with aircraft have led to last-minute cancellations, particularly for long-haul flights. While airlines ensure that flights meet safety standards, unexpected technical failures remain a concern. Aircraft malfunctions, engine failures, and issues with the fuel supply chain have been cited by several airlines as reasons for delays.
4. Operational Challenges:
   Operational issues, such as inadequate ground handling staff and delays in baggage handling, have also been contributing to the current disruptions. The handling of luggage, boarding procedures, and passenger services has slowed down at many airports due to the high number of affected flights.
5. Strikes and Labor Disputes:
   There have been reports of labor unrest in some airports, particularly involving ground staff and air traffic controllers. This has led to delays in essential airport operations, further exacerbating the situation.
6. Chinese New Year Holiday Rush:
   With the ongoing holiday season, there has been a surge in passenger demand, putting further strain on airports and airlines. While this period usually witnesses increased traffic, it has caused delays in handling the volume of travelers, especially at airports like Guangzhou Baiyun and Shanghai Pudong.

Impacted Airlines and Airlines’ Response

Several major airlines have been affected by these disruptions, leading to extensive delays and cancellations of flights both within China and internationally. The most affected carriers include:

• China Southern Airlines: A significant number of cancellations and delays at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), a major hub for the airline.
• Air China: Flights operating out of Beijing Daxing and Shanghai Pudong have been delayed or canceled due to operational setbacks.
• China Eastern Airlines: Flights from Shanghai Hongqiao and Pudong are among the most impacted, with passengers facing extended wait times.
• Hainan Airlines: Some flights from Xi’an Xianyang and Hefei Xinqiao have also experienced delays due to air traffic congestion.

Airlines have promised to assist affected passengers by offering rebooking options, but the overwhelming number of affected flights has slowed the process. Travelers are advised to stay in touch with their airlines for updates on rebooking and compensation policies.

Passenger Tips for Dealing with Delays and Cancellations

For those traveling through the affected airports, there are several steps that can help mitigate the inconvenience caused by cancellations and delays:

1. Check Flight Status Regularly:
   Stay updated on the latest information about your flight by checking with your airline’s website or through their mobile app. Many airlines provide real-time updates, including any changes in flight status, cancellations, or new boarding instructions.
2. Opt for Airport Lounge Access:
   Many airports provide lounge access, even for economy passengers. These lounges offer a comfortable space to wait, access to Wi-Fi, refreshments, and more. Check if your airline provides access to these lounges during delays.
3. Stay in Contact with Airline Staff:
   Airport staff are working under pressure, but they are your best resource for rebooking options and advice. Be patient but proactive when interacting with airline representatives.
4. Pack Essentials in Your Carry-On Bag:
   Always pack essential items like medications, toiletries, and entertainment in your carry-on in case of extended delays. It can be frustrating to be stranded at an airport for hours, but having the essentials will make the wait easier.
5. Know Your Rights:
   In many cases, passengers are entitled to compensation for long delays and cancellations, especially when the cause is within the airline’s control. Familiarize yourself with your rights as a passenger under Chinese law and your airline’s policies.
6. Consider Alternative Routes:
   If delays or cancellations are frequent, explore alternative routes or even nearby airports. Flights from smaller regional airports might offer a quicker departure, or you may be able to find available flights to neighboring destinations.

Conclusion: The Growing Problem of Flight Disruptions

The recent flight cancellations and delays across China’s major airports highlight the vulnerabilities in the aviation industry, particularly during busy travel periods. Factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, and operational inefficiencies continue to plague air travel, leading to frustration for passengers and additional costs for airlines. While airlines and airports are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of these disruptions, travelers must also remain vigilant and prepared for the possibility of further delays.

As the travel industry recovers from the pandemic and passenger numbers rise, it is clear that better systems and technologies must be implemented to prevent such widespread disruptions. Until then, passengers are urged to plan ahead, check their flight statuses, and stay informed about potential changes to their itineraries. With the right approach, travelers can navigate the turbulence and minimize the impact of these challenges.

Authors Observation: The information provided has been carefully sourced from FlightAware’s official website, with all operations subject to change based on real-time developments. Airlines continually adjust their schedules and itineraries to ensure passenger safety. In such instances, it is crucial for passengers to remain calm and explore alternative travel options. To stay informed, travelers are advised to monitor real-time updates, review any rebooking restrictions with their airline, and remain flexible with their travel plans.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware