Published on
March 18, 2026
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Thousands of travellers across India, Malaysia, China, Qatar, the UAE, and beyond are stranded today as 2755 flights are delayed and 867 cancelled, with major disruptions affecting key airports in cities like Delhi, Riyadh, Dubai, Bangkok, and more. The chaos has crippled several prominent airlines, including Emirates, FlyDubai, IndiGo, Japan Air, Saudia, and others, as operational issues, bad weather, and technical glitches have caused widespread delays. The ripple effect has left passengers frustrated and in limbo, with many missing connections and forced to find alternate travel arrangements. Airport terminals are overcrowded, and airline staff is struggling to manage the unprecedented surge in disruptions, creating a perfect storm for travellers across Asia.
A wave of flight disruptions has hit Asia today, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at major airports across the continent. With 2755 flights delayed and 867 canceled, the situation is wreaking havoc for travellers in countries such as India, Malaysia, China, Qatar, the UAE, and more. Passengers are facing severe travel inconveniences, with many being forced to wait for hours, or in some cases, days, to be rebooked on alternative flights. Major airports such as those in Delhi, Riyadh, Dubai, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur have become scenes of chaos as airlines struggle to handle the overwhelming number of disruptions.
Asia’s Air Travel in Crisis: Thousands of Passengers Left in Limbo
Asia is one of the busiest air travel hubs in the world, connecting millions of people across the globe. However, today the region is grappling with one of the largest disruptions in recent memory. With a combined total of 2755 flight delays and 867 cancellations, travellers are facing long waits, missed connections, and complete travel breakdowns.
Top Countries Affected by Delays and Cancellations
The widespread flight disruptions are affecting countries across the continent. Here is a breakdown of some of the countries that have been hit the hardest by cancellations and delays:
- India
India is one of the countries hardest hit by this air travel crisis. Major airports in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and others are experiencing significant disruptions. The country’s massive aviation network, carrying millions of passengers each day, has been severely impacted. - Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is among the airports in Malaysia where disruptions have been most severe. Passengers flying in and out of Malaysia are facing major delays and cancellations, causing headaches for both tourists and business travellers. - Qatar
Qatar Airways and other local carriers have been struck hard by delays and cancellations at Hamad International Airport (DOH). With 161 cancellations alone at Hamad International, the air travel situation in Qatar has been chaotic. - UAE
The UAE’s airports, particularly in Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH), are experiencing widespread delays and cancellations, creating frustration for travellers headed to and from major international destinations. - China and Hong Kong
Airlines operating in China, including those at Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Chengdu Tianfu International (TFU), are facing significant issues. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is also dealing with its share of delays and cancellations. - Pakistan
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other carriers are struggling with operational issues at airports such as Islamabad International (ISB), Karachi (KHI), and Lahore (LHE), where passengers are being left stranded.
Major Airports Affected by Cancellations and Delays
Airports are the epicenters of this disruption, with thousands of flights grounded or delayed. Here is a look at some of the most affected airports:
Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
- Cancellations: 54 flights (53%)
- Delays: 0 flights
Bahrain International Airport has seen a significant number of cancellations, with 53% of flights grounded today. However, no delays have been reported.
Shahjalal International Airport (DAC), Bangladesh
- Cancellations: 5 flights (3%)
- Delays: 23 flights (14%)
Shahjalal International Airport is witnessing a minor number of cancellations and delays, but the situation is still manageable compared to other locations.
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), India
- Cancellations: 12 flights (1%)
- Delays: 182 flights (22%)
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is one of the busiest in the world, and today it is facing severe disruptions, with nearly 200 delayed flights.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), India
- Cancellations: 22 flights (3%)
- Delays: 262 flights (24%)
Mumbai’s main international gateway is experiencing a chaotic situation with numerous delayed flights.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Malaysia
- Cancellations: 5 flights (0%)
- Delays: 194 flights (30%)
In Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur International Airport is seeing a significant number of delays, with more than 30% of flights running behind schedule.
Male International Airport (MLE), Maldives
- Cancellations: 5 flights (2%)
- Delays: 29 flights (15%)
Maldives’ Male International Airport is also affected, with a small percentage of cancellations and a decent number of delays.
Seeb International Airport (MCT), Oman
- Cancellations: 10 flights (3%)
- Delays: 52 flights (17%)
Seeb International is facing delays across multiple flights, with the highest number of cancellations for an Omani airport today.
Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar
- Cancellations: 161 flights (42%)
- Delays: 12 flights (3%)
Hamad International in Qatar is witnessing extreme disruptions today, with 42% of flights canceled.
King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Saudi Arabia
- Cancellations: 23 flights (5%)
- Delays: 91 flights (20%)
Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport is facing significant delays, adding to the disruption.
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
- Cancellations: 6 flights (1%)
- Delays: 96 flights (18%)
Singapore Changi, known for its efficiency, has also been hit by delays today.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Sri Lanka
- Cancellations: 4 flights (3%)
- Delays: 34 flights (33%)
Bandaranaike Airport is seeing high levels of delays, with almost 33% of flights delayed.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Thailand
- Cancellations: 5 flights (0%)
- Delays: 169 flights (29%)
Thailand’s main international gateway is experiencing delays, with close to 30% of flights behind schedule.
Airlines Struggling with Delays and Cancellations
The impact of today’s disruptions is being felt by several major airlines across Asia. Below is a detailed look at the airlines with the highest numbers of cancellations and delays:
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| Airline | Cancelled Flights (#) | Cancelled (%) | Delayed Flights (#) | Delayed (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | 45 | 7% | 150 | 26% |
| FlyDubai | 33 | 10% | 38 | 11% |
| IndiGo | 17 | 0% | 401 | 17% |
| Japan Air Commuter | 2 | 1% | 8 | 6% |
| Saudia | 36 | 6% | 99 | 16% |
| Air China | 17 | 0% | 254 | 13% |
| Air India | 9 | 1% | 185 | 25% |
| AirAsia | 2 | 0% | 237 | 39% |
| Qatar Airways | 262 | 37% | 19 | 2% |
What’s Behind the Chaos?
The reasons for today’s widespread disruptions are varied. Some airlines are dealing with operational issues, while others are facing logistical problems that have made it difficult to get flights back on schedule. Weather conditions, staffing shortages, and technical issues have also contributed to the crisis.
Despite the scale of the problem, it’s clear that airline operators, airport staff, and ground crews are overwhelmed by the sheer number of delays and cancellations today. While many passengers are being rebooked on alternative flights, it remains unclear when normal service will resume at the affected airports.
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Today, Asia’s air travel system is in disarray, with thousands of passengers stranded, confused, and frustrated. Airlines like Emirates, FlyDubai, IndiGo, Japan Air, and Saudia are grappling with a massive number of delays and cancellations, while airports in cities like Delhi, Riyadh, Dubai, and Bangkok are struggling to cope with the surge of grounded flights.
As the situation continues to evolve, travellers are advised to keep close tabs on flight statuses, stay in communication with their airlines, and be prepared for long delays. Whether it’s bad weather, staffing issues, or technical failures, one thing is clear: air travel in Asia today is in a state of emergency.
Thousands of travellers across India, Malaysia, China, Qatar, the UAE, and beyond are stranded today as 2755 flights are delayed and 867 cancelled due to operational issues, weather disruptions, and technical glitches, crippling airlines like Emirates, FlyDubai, IndiGo, Japan Air, and Saudia at major airports in Delhi, Riyadh, Dubai, and Bangkok.
Passengers should also be prepared for a lengthy process of rebooking and compensation claims, and be patient as airlines work to bring their services back on track. The crisis is far from over, and it will take time for the dust to settle across Asia’s aviation hubs.
