Published on
August 28, 2025
Travelers in China are experiencing significant disruptions with over 25 flight cancellations and 471 flight delays reported across major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Xi’an, and Chengdu. The cancellation and delays are impacting both domestic and international tourists, causing major disruptions to travel schedules. With the peak tourist season in full swing, these disruptions are raising concerns about the ability of the tourism sector to recover from the ongoing challenges. Passengers hoping to reach popular tourist destinations like the Great Wall in Beijing, the Bund in Shanghai, or the Terracotta Army in Xi’an are particularly affected.
Travel Disruption in China
Travelers are urged to check with airlines for real-time updates on their flights as these delays could extend for hours, with potential knock-on effects to connecting flights and itineraries. The delays have left many passengers stranded, while some have faced last-minute changes to their travel plans, forcing them to scramble for alternative routes or accommodations.
List of Cancelled Flights
| Ident | Type | Origin | Destination | Scheduled Departure Time |
| CES2880 | A320 | Xining Caojiabu (XNN / ZLXN) | Nanjing Lukou Int’l (NKG / ZSNJ) | Wed 07:30AM CST |
| CES6358 | A20N | Hohhot Baita Int’l (HET / ZBHH) | Shanghai Pudong Int’l (PVG / ZSPD) | Wed 08:15AM CST |
| CES6909 | A320 | Xi’an Xianyang Int’l (XIY / ZLXY) | Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l (CAN / ZGGG) | Wed 08:25AM CST |
| CES6853 | A319 | Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX / ZBAD) | Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l (CAN / ZGGG) | Wed 09:10AM CST |
| CES5153 | A321 | Shanghai Hongqiao Int’l (SHA / ZSSS) | Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK / ZBAA) | Wed 09:45AM CST |
| CES5289 | A320 | Shanghai Pudong Int’l (PVG / ZSPD) | Zhuhai Int’l (ZUH / ZGSD) | Wed 11:25AM CST |
| CES507 | A320 | Shanghai Pudong Int’l (PVG / ZSPD) | Hong Kong Int’l (HKG / VHHH) | Wed 11:35AM CST |
| CES6910 | A320 | Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l (CAN / ZGGG) | Xi’an Xianyang Int’l (XIY / ZLXY) | Wed 12:50PM CST |
| CES6854 | A319 | Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l (CAN / ZGGG) | Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX / ZBAD) | Wed 01:15PM CST |
| CES2780 | A319 | Nanning Wuxu Int’l (NNG / ZGNN) | Jinggangshan (JGS / ZSJA) | Wed 01:25PM CST |
| CES5156 | A321 | Beijing Capital Int’l (PEK / ZBAA) | Shanghai Hongqiao Int’l (SHA / ZSSS) | Wed 01:40PM CST |
| CES9877 | B735 | Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l (CAN / ZGGG) | Chengdu Shuangliu Int’l (CTU / ZUUU) | Wed 02:45PM CST |
| CES6418 | A320 | Xiamen Gaoqi Int’l (XMN / ZSAM) | Shanghai Pudong Int’l (PVG / ZSPD) | Wed 02:50PM CST |
| CES5290 | A320 | Zhuhai Int’l (ZUH / ZGSD) | Shanghai Pudong Int’l (PVG / ZSPD) | Wed 02:55PM CST |
| CES508 | A320 | Hong Kong Int’l (HKG / VHHH) | Shanghai Pudong Int’l (PVG / ZSPD) | Wed 03:15PM HKT |
| CES2780 | A319 | Jinggangshan (JGS / ZSJA) | Nanjing Lukou Int’l (NKG / ZSNJ) | Wed 04:05PM CST |
| CES5238 | A321 | Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l (CAN / ZGGG) | Ningbo Lishe Int’l (NGB / ZSNB) | Wed 04:15PM CST |
| CES5237 | A321 | Ningbo Lishe Int’l (NGB / ZSNB) | Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l (CAN / ZGGG) | Wed 05:15PM CST |
| CES9191 | A320 | Shanghai Hongqiao Int’l (SHA / ZSSS) | Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX / ZBAD) | Wed 05:20PM CST |
| CES5354 | B735 | Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l (CAN / ZGGG) | Shanghai Hongqiao Int’l (SHA / ZSSS) | Wed 05:40PM CST |
| CES6611 | A320 | Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG / ZUCK) | Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX / ZGSZ) | Wed 05:40PM CST |
| CES5259 | A320 | Jinan Yaoqiang (TNA/ ZSJN) | Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l (CAN / ZGGG) | Wed 06:00PM CST |
| CES6425 | A320 | Hefei Xinqiao Airport (HFE / ZSOF) | Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l (CAN / ZGGG) | Wed 06:25PM CST |
| CES9823 | B732 | Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l (CAN / ZGGG) | Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG / ZUCK) | Wed 06:35PM CST |
| CES7721 | A320 | Nanjing Lukou Int’l (NKG / ZSNJ) | Shenyang Taoxian Int’l (SHE / ZYTX) | Wed 07:10PM CST |
| CES5175 | A320 | Nanchang Changbei Int’l (KHN/ ZSCN) | Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX/ ZBAD) | Wed 07:25PM CST |
| CES2417 | A320 | Lanzhou Zhongchuan International (LHW / ZLLL) | Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX / ZBAD) | Wed 07:30PM CST |
| CES6142 | A320 | Chengdu Tianfu Int’l (TFU/ ZUTF) | Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l (CAN / ZGGG) | Wed 08:40PM CST |
| CES9192 | A320 | Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX/ ZBAD) | Shanghai Hongqiao Int’l (SHA/ ZSSS) | Wed 08:55PM CST |
| CES6612 | A320 | Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX / ZGSZ) | Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG / ZUCK) | Wed 09:25PM CST |
| CES9824 | B732 | Chongqing Jiangbei Int’l (CKG / ZUCK) | Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l (CAN / ZGGG) | Wed 09:45PM CST |
| CES6426 | A320 | Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l (CAN / ZGGG) | Hefei Xinqiao Airport (HFE / ZSOF) | Wed 09:50PM CST |
| CES6971 | A320 | Lanzhou Zhongchuan International (LHW / ZLLL) | Kunming Changshui Int’l (KMG / ZPPP) | Wed 09:50PM CST |
| CES5260 | A320 | Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l (CAN / ZGGG) | Jinan Yaoqiang (TNA/ ZSJN) | Wed 10:00PM CST |
| CES5319 | B735 | Shanghai Hongqiao Int’l (SHA / ZSSS) | Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l (CAN / ZGGG) | Wed 10:10PM CST |
| CES7722 | A320 | Shenyang Taoxian Int’l (SHE / ZYTX) | Nanjing Lukou Int’l (NKG / ZSNJ) | Wed 10:30PM CST |
| CES5176 | A320 | Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX / ZBAD) | Nanchang Changbei Int’l (KHN/ ZSCN) | Wed 10:50PM CST |
| CES9192 | A320 | Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX / ZBAD) | Lanzhou Zhongchuan International (LHW/ ZLLL) | Wed 10:50 PM CST |
| CES6141 | A320 | Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l (CAN / ZGGG) | Chengdu Tianfu Int’l (TFU/ ZUTF) | Thu 06:50AM CST |
Reasons for Cancellations and Delays
The disruption in travel across China was primarily caused by a combination of factors including weather conditions, air traffic control issues, and operational challenges within the China Eastern Airlines. Adverse weather conditions, especially heavy rains and storms, have been reported in several regions, leading to delays and cancellations of flights. Additionally, the sheer volume of air traffic during peak tourist seasons has overwhelmed certain airport operations, further compounding the delays.
Advice for Passengers
For passengers affected by these disruptions, it is important to stay proactive and prepared. Authorities recommend checking flight status regularly and reaching out to airlines for updates on delays. Travelers should ensure they have travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and rebookings, particularly during peak seasons when alternative flights may be scarce.
Airports are advising passengers to stay in touch with China Eastern Airlines via the official website, where real-time updates about delays and cancellations are available. Additionally, passengers are encouraged to stay at the airport or in nearby accommodation where possible to avoid missing further notifications. Tourists can also make use of airport lounges, as a more comfortable space to wait during lengthy delays.
Impact on Tourism Across China
The delays are causing a ripple effect on tourism in China, with many tourists missing out on planned tours and activities. This is particularly concerning for regions that depend on international visitors for their tourism economy, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an. Many tourists flying into Beijing to visit iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City or the Summer Palace are finding their travel schedules disrupted, potentially resulting in shorter stays and canceled excursions.
The disruptions could also dampen local economies dependent on tourism. In cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou, where tourism is a significant economic driver, these delays could lead to fewer visitors to attractions, restaurants, and hotels, ultimately affecting businesses that rely on the influx of tourists. As global tourism recovers from pandemic-era setbacks, these delays could stall progress and frustrate travelers looking to experience China’s rich cultural heritage.
Conclusion
The ongoing disruptions caused by over 25 cancellations and 471 flight delays by China Eastern Airlines, are a reminder of the vulnerability of global travel networks, especially in busy regions with high tourism activity. While airlines and airports work to resolve the situation, travelers are urged to remain flexible and well-informed, ensuring that they can adjust their plans accordingly.
For more details refer to https://www.flightaware.com/live/cancelled/
