Published on
December 21, 2025
In a major blow to air travelers in China, thousands of flights have been cancelled and delayed, particularly affecting some of the country’s largest carriers, including Air China and Chengdu Airlines. This massive disruption has left passengers frustrated as airports nationwide struggle to handle the chaos. With the peak travel season in full swing, the aviation sector’s inability to maintain smooth operations has raised concerns for both local and international travelers.
According to official data, Air China alone has faced over 27 cancellations and 58 delays. These disruptions have rippled across major routes such as Beijing Capital Int’l, Chengdu Shuangliu, and Shanghai Pudong, affecting hundreds of thousands of passengers. At the same time, Chengdu Airlines, operating under the United Eagle brand (UEA), has also seen significant cancellations with 23 flights affected.
The Extent of the Disruption
The scale of the flight disruptions is extensive, with several routes seeing more than 20 cancellations in just a few days. Key routes from Urumqi Diwopu to Kanas, Hotan, and Chengdu have been severely impacted, disrupting travel plans for passengers in western China and other major hubs. This has put an immense strain on both the airline staff and the passengers who were left scrambling for alternative flights or last-minute solutions.
For Air China, routes connecting Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l, Hohhot Baita Int’l, Guangzhou Baiyun, and Wenzhou Int’l to Beijing Capital Int’l have been hit hard. Passengers on these flights, already dealing with the inconveniences of delays, faced the additional frustration of missing connections, and for some, the cancellation of long-anticipated trips.
Cancelled Air China Flights
Flight IDTypeOriginDestinationScheduled Departure TimeCCA1332A332Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX/ZGSZ)Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Sat 01:10 PM CSTCCA8153909Hohhot Baita Int’l (HET/ZBHH)Shijiazhuang Zhengding Int’l (SJW/ZBSJ)Sat 01:35 PM CSTCCA4103A21NChengdu Shuangliu Int’l (CTU/ZUUU)Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Sat 02:40 PM CSTCCA4533A319Chengdu Shuangliu Int’l (CTU/ZUUU)Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int’l (HGH/ZSHC)Sat 03:20 PM CSTCCA1553B38MWenzhou Int’l (WNZ/ZSZW)Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Sat 03:40 PM CSTCCA8154B738Shijiazhuang Zhengding Int’l (SJW/ZBSJ)Hohhot Baita Int’l (HET/ZBHH)Sat 03:55 PM CSTCCA4370B738Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l (CAN/ZGGG)Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Sat 04:25 PM CSTCCA8531A320Wenzhou Int’l (WNZ/ZSZW)Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Sat 04:30 PM CSTCCA1495B738Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Yibin (YBP/ZUYB)Sat 04:40 PM CSTCCA1929A320Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Yichang (YIH/ZHYC)Sat 05:40 PM CSTCCA1263909Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Yinchuan Helanshan (INC/ZLIC)Sat 06:10 PM CSTCCA1261A319Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Xining Caojiabu (XNN/ZXLN)Sat 06:25 PM CSTCCA8619B738Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Huangyan Luqiao (HYN/ZSQL)Sat 06:30 PM CSTCCA4104A21NBeijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Chengdu Shuangliu Int’l (CTU/ZUUU)Sat 06:40 PM CSTCCA4534A319Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int’l (HGH/ZSHC)Chengdu Shuangliu Int’l (CTU/ZUUU)Sat 07:10 PM CSTCCA1496B738Yibin (YBP/ZUYB)Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Sat 08:40 PM CSTCCA1930A320Yichang (YIH/ZHYC)Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Sat 08:55 PM CSTCCA1264A320Yinchuan Helanshan (INC/ZLIC)Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Sat 08:55 PM CSTCCA8532A320Changchun Longjia Int’l (CGQ/ZYYC)Wenzhou Int’l (WNZ/ZSZW)Sat 09:40 PM CSTCCA1262A319Xining Caojiabu (XNN/ZXLN)Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK/ZBAA)Sat 09:40 PM CST
Chengdu Airlines’ Woes: A Detailed Breakdown
Chengdu Airlines, operating under the United Eagle brand (UEA), has also faced cancellations on major regional routes. Flights departing from Shihezi Huayuan to Yining, Urumqi Diwopu to Kanas, and Tacheng to Urumqi have all been impacted. The sheer volume of cancellations has caused ripple effects in local economies, especially in regions that depend heavily on air travel for tourism and business.
One of the most heavily disrupted routes was from Shihezi Huayuan to Yining, with several cancellations scheduled for early evening hours, affecting both business and leisure travelers. Chengdu Airlines has confirmed that the disruptions are due to a combination of operational issues and ongoing weather conditions that have grounded planes across the region.
Impact on Passengers: What You Need to Know
For many passengers, the timing of these cancellations and delays couldn’t have been worse. With the New Year holidays fast approaching, families hoping to reunite for the celebrations are left stranded at airports, trying to secure alternate flights. Several travelers have reported confusion at the gates and check-in counters, with little communication from airlines about the status of their flights.
Passenger rights organizations have also voiced concerns, urging airlines to improve communication and provide adequate support to affected travelers. As of now, some passengers have received compensation, while others have been rerouted via alternative carriers, but many are still dealing with long waits and overcrowded terminals.
Cancelled Chengdu AirlinesFlight IDTypeOriginDestinationScheduled Departure TimeUEA2825909Shihezi Huayuan (SHF/ZWHZ)Yining (YIN/ZWYN)Sat 12:55 PM CSTUEA2931909Urumqi Diwopu Int’l (URC/ZWWW)Kanas (KJI/ZWKN)Sat 01:35 PM CSTUEA2940909Kashgar (KHG/ZWSH)Urumqi Diwopu Int’l (URC/ZWWW)Sat 02:05 PM CSTUEA2962909Kashgar (KHG/ZWSH)Jiangbulake Airport (JBK/ZWQT)Sat 02:10 PM CSTUEA2826909Yining (YIN/ZWYN)Shihezi Huayuan (SHF/ZWHZ)Sat 02:40 PM CSTUEA3020909Shihezi Huayuan (SHF/ZWHZ)Hotan (HTN/ZWTN)Sat 03:10 PM CSTUEA2932909Kanas (KJI/ZWKN)Urumqi Diwopu Int’l (URC/ZWWW)Sat 03:35 PM CSTUEA2431A320Jiangbulake Airport (JBK/ZWQT)Zhengzhou Xinzheng Int’l (CGO/ZHCC)Sat 04:10 PM CSTUEA2826909Shihezi Huayuan (SHF/ZWHZ)Alear Talimu (ACF/ZWAL)Sat 04:10 PM CSTUEA2962909Jiangbulake Airport (JBK/ZWQT)Yining (YIN/ZWYN)Sat 04:30 PM CSTUEA3055909Aksu (AKU/ZWAK)Jiangbulake Airport (JBK/ZWQT)Sat 05:10 PM CSTUEA2923909Urumqi Diwopu Int’l (URC/ZWWW)Tacheng (TCG/ZWTC)Sat 05:25 PM CSTUEA2952909Hotan (HTN/ZWTN)Turpan Jiaohe (TLO/ZWTL)Sat 05:50 PM CSTUEA3056909Jiangbulake Airport (JBK/ZWQT)Aksu (AKU/ZWAK)Sat 06:10 PM CSTUEA3044909Aksu (AKU/ZWAK)Shihezi Huayuan (SHF/ZWHZ)Sat 06:40 PM CSTUEA2924909Tacheng (TCG/ZWTC)Urumqi Diwopu Int’l (URC/ZWWW)Sat 07:10 PM CSTUEA3089909Urumqi Diwopu Int’l (URC/ZWWW)DHH (DHH)Sat 07:55 PM CSTUEA3044909Shihezi Huayuan (SHF/ZWHZ)Yining (YIN/ZWYN)Sat 08:10 PM CSTUEA3090909Yining (YIN/ZWYN)Urumqi Diwopu Int’l (URC/ZWWW)Sat 09:50 PM CSTUEA3032909Urumqi Diwopu Int’l (URC/ZWWW)Jiangbulake Airport (JBK/ZWQT)Sun 10:35 AM CST
The Bigger Picture: Why Are These Disruptions Happening?
While some of the delays can be attributed to weather-related issues—such as fog, snow, or storms—the underlying causes are more complex. China’s aviation industry has been experiencing rapid growth, and airlines, though growing, have struggled to keep pace with demand. In many cases, this has led to strained infrastructure, insufficient staffing, and technical failures.
Government Response: Can the Aviation Sector Recover?
In response to the disruptions, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has issued several advisories regarding flight operations, advising travelers to stay updated on the status of their flights and to expect potential delays. At the same time, the CAAC has urged the airlines to improve their contingency plans and strengthen communication with passengers to avoid further frustration.
Looking forward, the Chinese government is likely to step in to address these operational shortcomings by introducing measures aimed at improving efficiency and reliability in the sector. While there is no immediate relief for passengers, the long-term solutions may focus on upgrading airport facilities, enhancing airline communication systems, and streamlining the aircraft maintenance process.
How to Navigate These Cancellations and Delays
If you are scheduled to fly on Air China, Chengdu Airlines, or any other major carrier, it is important to stay informed. Here are some tips to help you manage:
Check your flight status regularly on the airline’s official website or mobile app. Airlines are providing real-time updates and you may receive notifications if your flight is cancelled or delayed.Know your rights. According to Chinese regulations, passengers are entitled to compensation for significant delays and cancellations. Make sure to check with the airline for any refund or compensation opportunities.Book alternative flights early. If your flight has been cancelled, act quickly to book a new ticket. Some airlines offer rebooking options on the next available flight at no extra charge.Consider travel insurance. If you have not already, consider purchasing insurance to cover unexpected delays, cancellations, or lost baggage, particularly for future trips.
The Road Ahead: What Travelers Should Expect
As China’s aviation industry continues to grow, so too will the challenges that come with maintaining flight schedules and ensuring passenger safety. The recent wave of cancellations serves as a stark reminder of the need for stronger infrastructure, better communication, and enhanced operational protocols in the airline sector.
For now, travelers are advised to prepare for potential disruptions in the coming weeks, especially as the country approaches one of its busiest travel seasons. Though improvements are in the pipeline, the chaos in Chinese skies has served as a wake-up call for airlines and government officials alike.
Conclusion: Will China’s Aviation Industry Bounce Back?
In the short term, travelers are urged to remain patient and flexible as airlines work to restore order. For many, this situation is just another hiccup in the ever-evolving world of aviation, where delays and cancellations are often part of the journey. However, with growing passenger demand and the ongoing development of the nation’s airports and airlines, the future of air travel in China remains optimistic.
As more travelers return to the skies, it is hoped that the lessons learned from this disruption will pave the way for a smoother and more reliable aviation experience in the future.
