Air Chaos in China: Over 300 Flights Canceled, Thousands Stranded at Major Airports

China’s aviation sector faced a major setback on Tuesday as over 300 flights were canceled and more than 2,000 delayed, leaving thousands of tourists and travelers stranded across the country. The disruptions, which affected key airports in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, were driven by a combination of crew shortages, operational bottlenecks, and adverse weather conditions.

According to the Travels and Tourists World report, the wave of flight cancellations was led by China Southern Airlines, followed by China Eastern and Air China, hitting the country’s busiest summer travel corridors and triggering widespread frustration at terminals nationwide.

Massive Flight Disruptions Hit Peak Travel Season

With travel at its annual high, the unexpected collapse in airline schedules created bottlenecks in both domestic and international travel. Major Chinese carriers struggled to manage the fallout as passengers swarmed service counters in search of rebookings that were, in many cases, unavailable.

According to flight data:

• China Southern Airlines saw 226 cancellations and 956 delays, impacting 44% of its operations.
• China Eastern Airlines canceled 59 flights and delayed 675, disrupting 27% of its total flights.
• Air China recorded 53 cancellations and 392 delays, affecting 22% of its schedule.

In total, 338 flights were canceled and 2,023 delayed, severely straining infrastructure and staffing at major airports across the country.

Guangzhou and Shenzhen Bear the Brunt

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) was the hardest hit, especially by China Southern’s delays and cancellations. Vital domestic routes to cities like Shanghai, Chengdu, Changsha, and Hangzhou were among those disrupted.

In Shenzhen, Bao’an International Airport also experienced significant delays. Flights to destinations such as Dali, Kunming, Haikou, and Chongqing were either grounded or heavily delayed, complicating travel for thousands.

Nationwide Ripple Effect

Other major aviation hubs, including Beijing Capital (PEK), Beijing Daxing (PKX), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), and Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), were not spared. Routes between Beijing and southern cities like Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen were severely affected.

The disruption reached beyond Tier 1 cities, with regional airports such as Nanchang Changbei, Changde Taohuayuan, and Panzhihua Bao’anying reporting mounting delays. These smaller airports lacked the resources to handle the influx of stranded passengers, worsening the crisis.

Travelers Face Long Waits, Few Solutions

Passengers across multiple terminals took to social media to share scenes of overcrowded gates, long queues, and sparse communication from airlines. In many cases, mobile apps and online booking systems crashed due to high demand, forcing travelers to line up for hours without guaranteed solutions.

Many travelers, including international tourists, were left in limbo as fully booked flights and limited rebooking availability left them with few immediate options.

Underlying Causes: A Perfect Storm

Though no airline issued a detailed statement, experts believe a combination of bad weather, staffing shortages, and high-capacity scheduling created a perfect storm. Monsoon conditions in southern and central China compounded the situation, making aircraft turnaround and crew rotation nearly impossible at short notice.

With planes and crews operating near their limits, the ripple effect from even a single delay quickly escalated across entire networks, especially in operational hotspots like Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

Looking Ahead: Expect More Disruptions

Analysts warn that continued weather volatility, coupled with intense travel demand, could result in more cancellations in the coming days. Passengers are advised to:

• Check flight status frequently
• Allow extra time for connections
• Stay flexible with travel plans
• Use official airline apps and channels for the latest updates

This latest episode underscores the fragility of China’s aviation infrastructure during peak periods and the urgent need for contingency planning in high-density travel windows.