Published on January 5, 2026
Travelers at major airports in China have faced substantial travel disruptions as airlines cancelled 44 flights and delayed 583 others across several airports on January 5, 2026. The massive delays and cancellations have impacted flights to and from key international hubs, including Beijing Capital International (PEK), Shanghai Hongqiao International (SHA), Chengdu Tianfu International (TFU), and more, affecting thousands of passengers.
At Beijing Capital International Airport, the largest airport in the country, a total of 130 delays and 10 cancellations were reported, making it one of the hardest-hit airports. Shanghai Hongqiao, another key hub for international and domestic travel, saw 95 delays and 5 cancellations, while Chengdu Tianfu experienced 84 delays and 2 cancellations. Kunming Changshui and Nanjing Lukou airports also faced disruptions, with 101 delays and 10 cancellations at Kunming and 49 delays and 6 cancellations at Nanjing.

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The smaller Hangzhou Xiaoshan International and Shache Airport also contributed to the chaos, with 120 delays and 5 cancellations at Hangzhou, and 4 delays and 6 cancellations at Shache. The widespread disruptions have affected travelers in both China and abroad, with flights to major cities like Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Singapore experiencing significant delays and cancellations.

Airline Performance and Affected Routes

The majority of cancellations and delays have been concentrated among a few key airlines operating across China. Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern have all experienced disruptions at these major airports, with Air China being one of the primary contributors to both delays and cancellations. Passengers on Air China flights from Beijing to Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Seoul have faced the most delays.

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Other carriers like Shanghai Airlines, Hainan Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines have also reported a significant number of delays and cancellations. Routes connecting Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu to other major international hubs have been particularly impacted, leaving passengers stranded at terminals.

Reasons for the Disruptions

The reasons behind the flight disruptions at Beijing, Shanghai, and other airports are currently under investigation. While weather conditions and operational issues may have played a role, officials have not confirmed any specific causes. However, it is clear that the disruptions are affecting a significant portion of China’s air traffic, particularly at the busiest airports like Beijing Capital International and Shanghai Hongqiao.

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The delays are compounded by high passenger volumes due to the holiday season, further exacerbating the travel woes for those seeking to catch their flights. Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu airports, in particular, have been dealing with heavy foot traffic, adding strain to already tight schedules.

What Travelers Can Expect

For those traveling through Beijing Capital International, Shanghai Hongqiao, or other major Chinese airports, the disruptions are expected to persist throughout the day. Airlines are advising passengers to check with their respective carriers for real-time updates and possible rebookings. Travelers should also stay informed through the airport’s official websites and apps for the latest developments regarding delays or cancellations.
At Beijing, passengers have been advised to check with Air China, China Eastern, and other carriers for updated flight statuses, especially if their flights are departing for international destinations such as Tokyo or Hong Kong. Similarly, those flying out of Shanghai and Chengdu should stay in touch with their airlines for any changes to their flight schedules.

Passenger Compensation and Rebooking Options

Passengers affected by flight delays or cancellations are entitled to compensation under Chinese regulations if their flights are delayed for more than three hours or if they are rebooked on a different flight. Travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines for compensation details and rebooking options, which are being handled on a case-by-case basis.

Impact on Local Tourism and Economy

The widespread flight disruptions are expected to have a ripple effect on China’s local tourism and business sectors. Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu are vital hubs for international tourism, and the delays have already impacted bookings, particularly for tourists traveling to major attractions like The Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City, and Chengdu’s Giant Panda Breeding Research Base.
Local businesses, particularly those in the transportation and hospitality sectors, are also feeling the impact as passengers struggle to make connections or adjust their travel plans.

How to Minimize Travel Disruptions

Travelers affected by these delays and cancellations should:

• Monitor updates from airlines and airports for real-time flight statuses.
• Contact airlines for rebooking or compensation options.
• Prepare for extended waiting times at airports, bringing essential items like snacks and entertainment.
• Check if you’re eligible for compensation under Chinese travel regulations if your flight is significantly delayed or cancelled.

For now, Beijing Capital International, Shanghai Hongqiao, Chengdu Tianfu, and other major airports in China are working to resolve the situation. However, travelers are urged to remain patient as they await updates from their airlines and airports.

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Tags: Beijing Capital International, Chengdu Tianfu, Chinese airports disruptions, flight cancellations china, flight delays China

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