Indonesia, China, India, UAE Amid New Travel Pandemonium as Batik Air, HK Express, Air India Express Strands Passengers across Jakarta, Jaipur, Dubai, Sanya, Hong Kong and more with Ten Flight Cancellations, Update You Need to Know

Starting on September 28 and continuing on 29th, 2025, travel disruptions hit Asia, as Batik Air, Air India Express and HK Express (Hong Kong Express Airways) faced operational challenges. Based on FlightAware data, a total of 10 flight cancellations and 313 delays across major routes have left passengers stranded in airports spanning Indonesia, India, China, Hong Kong and the UAE. Batik Air, based in Indonesia, canceled 4 domestic flights, while Air India Express grounded 4 flights between India and Dubai. HK Express, servicing the Hong Kong to Sanya route, canceled 2 flights. These cancellations and delays have caused widespread inconvenience, with Batik Air reporting a staggering 58% of its flights delayed. Air India Express and HK Express, although facing fewer delays, still saw a notable 22% and 20% delay rates, respectively. This disruption has not only impacted the affected airlines but also local tourism, with travelers’ plans being thrown into disarray. This report is detailing the scope of these flight interruptions.

Batik Air, a prominent Indonesian airline, has canceled 4 flights in total, all of which were scheduled for Monday. The cancellations involve the following routes:

• BTK6378: Jakarta-Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) to Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA), departing at 10:00 AM WIB.
• BTK6379: Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) to Jakarta-Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), departing at 11:55 AM WIB.
• BTK6814: Jakarta-Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) to Fatmawati Soekarno Airport (BKS), departing at 2:05 PM WIB.
• BTK6815: Fatmawati Soekarno Airport (BKS) to Jakarta-Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), departing at 4:00 PM WIB.

These cancellations primarily affect domestic routes within Indonesia, impacting travelers who were heading between key cities like Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Fatmawati Soekarno.

Air India Express has canceled 4 flights as well, with two flights from India to Dubai and two from Dubai to India. The cancellations are as follows:

• AXB191: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) to Dubai International Airport (DXB), scheduled for 4:35 PM IST.
• AXB196: Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Jaipur (Sanganer) Airport (JAI), scheduled for 8:05 PM +04.
• AXB195: Jaipur (Sanganer) Airport (JAI) to Dubai International Airport (DXB), scheduled for 6:05 AM IST.
• AXB192: Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ), scheduled for 9:00 AM +04.

These cancellations primarily impact passengers traveling between India and the UAE, specifically between Amritsar, Jaipur and Dubai.

HK Express (Hong Kong Express Airways) has canceled 2 flights, both of which are part of the popular Hong Kong to Sanya route. The affected flights are:

• HKE250: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX), scheduled for 6:55 PM HKT.
• HKE251: Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX) to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), scheduled for 9:55 PM CST.

The cancellations disrupt travel plans between Hong Kong and Sanya, affecting tourists who were intending to visit the tropical destination in China.

Delays

Batik Air has reported 172 delays, affecting various flights. The delays amount to 58% of Batik’s total scheduled flights, indicating operational disruption. Passengers on the delayed flights face longer wait times, Air India Express has experienced 112 delays, accounting for 22% of its total flights. While this percentage is lower compared to Batik Air, it still poses an inconvenience to travelers, particularly those with tight schedules or connecting flights. HK Express has had 29 delays, which account for 20% of its total flights. Although fewer delays compared to the other two airlines, this still affects passengers’ plans and will likely result in longer wait times at airports.

Affected Airports

These airports are experiencing disruptions due to the flight cancellations and delays. Passengers may face crowded terminals and additional stress, particularly in major international airports like Jakarta and Dubai.

The flight cancellations and delays across these routes might have a ripple effect on local tourism in the affected countries.

• Indonesia: Jakarta and Yogyakarta are both significant tourist destinations in Indonesia and delays in Batik Air flights could affect visitors planning to explore the cultural landmarks in these cities. Delays and cancellations may also disrupt domestic travel to Bali, a key tourist destination.
• India and UAE: The cancellations of Air India Express flights between India and Dubai are likely to affect business and leisure travelers. Dubai, being a major hub for international tourism, will likely see an increase in congestion as passengers attempt to rebook or wait for alternative flights. Similarly, tourists traveling to Jaipur may have their plans disrupted.
• China and Hong Kong: The cancellations by HK Express between Hong Kong and Sanya impact tourists who were planning to visit Sanya, a popular resort destination in southern China. These disruptions may cause delays in the flow of tourists to this tropical destination, especially in the peak season.

For those affected by these cancellations and delays, there are several steps they can take to minimize the inconvenience:

Airport Assistance: At affected airports, passengers should approach airline representatives for assistance with meals, accommodation and flight rebooking. Airline staff are usually equipped to handle such disruptions and can guide passengers through the process.

Check for Rebookings and Refunds: Passengers should immediately check with their airline for rebooking options or requests for refunds. Many airlines offer compensation for affected passengers, including meals, accommodations and travel vouchers, depending on the duration of the delay.

Alternative Travel Arrangements: If rebooking is unavailable on the same day, passengers should explore alternative travel routes or nearby airports for available connections. Sometimes, other airlines may offer alternate routes to reach the same destination.

Stay Updated: Travelers should remain in close contact with the airlines, monitoring any updates regarding flight statuses. Using airline apps or websites will provide real-time information on delays and cancellations.

Image Credit- batikair.com