Published on January 9, 2026
In an unparalleled travel disruption, 1125 flights have been delayed and 111 flights cancelled across Asia, affecting travelers in key destinations such as Beijing, Tokyo, Jakarta, Narita, Manila, Shanghai, and Kuala Lumpur. The widespread delays and cancellations have left thousands of passengers stranded, with Shenzhen Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Korean Air, and Xiamen Air among the major airlines at the center of the chaos. Countries like China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and others are facing unprecedented disruptions as travelers scramble to find alternative routes.
At major hubs like Beijing Capital International, Shenzhen Bao’an, Tokyo Narita, Jakarta Soekarno Hatta, and Kuala Lumpur International, airlines are dealing with logistical nightmares, and the situation is continuing to evolve. As more flights are delayed or cancelled, passengers are left with uncertainty about their plans and limited options for rebooking.

Widespread Disruptions Across Key Airports

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The ripple effect of these cancellations and delays has left travelers stranded in some of Asia’s busiest airports. In China, Beijing Capital International saw 13 cancellations and 44 delays, while Shenzhen Bao’an reported four cancellations and 84 delays. The impact was also felt at Shanghai Pudong, where seven flights were cancelled, and 135 delayed.
Chongqing Jiangbei faced nine cancellations and 55 delays, while Fuzhou Changle saw nine cancellations and 19 delays. In Zhengzhou Xinzheng, two flights were cancelled and 26 delayed, leading to considerable overcrowding and frustration among passengers.

Japan’s Narita International Airport was no exception. With two cancellations and 41 delays, the Japanese airport was overwhelmed by delayed travelers. Tokyo Haneda reported one cancellation and 55 delays, exacerbating the already chaotic travel situation. Further disruptions occurred at New Chitose with three cancellations and 71 delays, stranding passengers flying into the country’s northern regions.
In Indonesia, Soekarno Hatta International Airport in Jakarta saw nine cancellations and 80 delays, while Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar recorded six cancellations and 53 delays. Kuala Lumpur International Airport faced one cancellation and a staggering 160 delays, severely impacting travelers trying to connect to flights in Southeast Asia.

Airlines Struggling with the Delays and Cancellations

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Major airlines in the region, including Shenzhen Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air, All Nippon Airways (ANA), and Korean Air, are scrambling to manage the situation. These carriers have been forced to apologize for the inconvenience caused, but the sheer scale of the disruptions has made it clear that operational inefficiencies are playing a significant role.
Shenzhen Airlines and Garuda Indonesia were both responsible for a large number of cancellations and delays, causing passengers to wait for several hours, and sometimes days, for updates on their rebooking options. Despite efforts to manage the disruptions, passengers are finding that the lack of timely updates and assistance is exacerbating the situation.
Korean Air, which operates a significant number of international flights across the region, has also been grappling with delays and cancellations, stranding passengers in several of Asia’s busiest hubs. Similarly, All Nippon Airways (ANA), one of Japan’s largest carriers, is working to reschedule flights and find alternative routes for its travelers, but many passengers have found themselves waiting for longer than expected.

Passenger Reactions: Frustrations Mounting

Passengers have expressed their anger and frustration over the lack of communication and support from airlines. Many travelers have been left with minimal information and have had to find their own ways of coping with the delays. For some, especially those with connecting flights or those on time-sensitive trips, the situation has been particularly frustrating.
At Tokyo Narita, passengers were reported to have been waiting for up to 12 hours for updates on their flights. Meanwhile, Beijing Capital saw long lines forming at customer service desks, with passengers scrambling to rebook flights. At Jakarta Soekarno Hatta, many passengers had no choice but to take alternative transportation to continue their journey, as flight schedules remained uncertain.

What Passengers Can Do During the Travel Chaos

For passengers affected by delays or cancellations, there are a few steps that can help minimize the stress and ensure you make it to your destination as soon as possible:

1. Check Flight Status Regularly: Use the official apps or websites of your airline and airport to stay updated on the status of your flight.
2. Contact Your Airline for Rebooking: If your flight is cancelled, reach out to your airline’s customer service for rebooking options. Many airlines offer refunds or alternative flights if the disruption is significant.
3. Stay Informed About Compensation: Airlines are typically required to provide meal vouchers or hotel accommodations if passengers are delayed for extended periods. Make sure to ask for any available compensation.
4. Be Prepared for Long Waits: Due to the high volume of passengers affected, there may be long lines at customer service counters. Bring entertainment and stay patient while you wait for assistance.
5. Look for Alternative Routes: If your flight is significantly delayed or cancelled, check for alternative routes to your destination. Often, airlines will assist in finding a connecting flight.

Conclusion: A Call for Reform

These massive disruptions underscore the urgent need for reforms within the Asian aviation industry. With air traffic returning to pre-pandemic levels, airlines must focus on improving operational efficiency and passenger services to prevent such large-scale disruptions from becoming the norm. Airlines and airports must come together to ensure that they are prepared for the increasing pressure of both business and leisure travel.
For now, the thousands of passengers caught in this web of delays and cancellations are left with no choice but to wait, rebook, and hope that their travel plans will eventually get back on track. The situation remains fluid, but with continued vigilance and better communication from all parties involved, Asia’s skies may soon become a little less chaotic.
source: different airports and flightaware

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Tags: all nippon airways, Asian Airports, Batik Air, Beijing airport delays, flight cancellations

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