Flight Disruptions Across China

Photo: Traveland Tour World

In mid-January 2026, China’s aviation sector faced widespread disruption as China Express Airlines, Shandong Airlines, and Shenzhen Airlines cancelled more than 60 flights and recorded over 438 delays. The primary driver was severe weather, including heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and poor visibility across several major transport hubs.

Weather-related disruptions are not uncommon in aviation, yet the scale of this incident stood out. Domestic routes linking central, eastern, and southern China were particularly affected, creating ripple effects throughout the national flight network.

Airlines under pressure from regional storms

China Express Airlines experienced cancellations mainly on regional routes operated by CRJ9 and A321 aircraft, with disruptions concentrated around Zhengzhou, Xi’an, and Shenzhen. Shandong Airlines was forced to ground numerous domestic flights connecting coastal and inland cities as thunderstorms and flooding intensified. Shenzhen Airlines encountered significant operational challenges in southern China, where monsoon-driven storms repeatedly disrupted hub operations.

Airports at the center of the disruption

Zhengzhou Xinzheng, Shenzhen Bao’an, and Xi’an Xianyang airports emerged as the most heavily impacted nodes. Flight cancellations and cascading delays created severe congestion, particularly for passengers with onward connections. Additional pressure was felt at Qingdao, Harbin, and Guangzhou, where rapidly changing weather conditions prevented a quick normalization of schedules.

Passenger experience marked by uncertainty

Thousands of passengers were left stranded in terminals, facing long waits and limited clarity about rebooking options. Communication gaps amplified frustration, especially for travelers missing connecting flights or facing unexpected accommodation costs. International visitors with tight itineraries were among the most affected, losing valuable travel time during their stay in China.

Tourism feels the economic impact

The flight disruptions coincided with a period of active domestic travel, leading to a noticeable drop in tourist arrivals in cities such as Xi’an, Zhengzhou, and Shenzhen. Hotels and tour operators reported cancellations and shorter stays, translating into short-term revenue losses for local economies dependent on tourism and business travel.

Pathways to recovery for aviation and tourism

The incident highlighted the growing vulnerability of transport infrastructure to extreme weather. Recovery will depend on improved passenger communication, flexible rebooking policies, and greater investment in predictive weather and operational planning tools. For tourism-dependent regions, the disruption also underscores the need for stronger crisis-management frameworks and adaptive service models.

As experts at International Investment note, the January 2026 flight cancellations in China underscore the increasing operational risks posed by climate volatility. While the immediate impact on aviation and tourism is negative, such disruptions often accelerate modernization efforts, pushing airlines and destinations toward more resilient systems, better customer communication, and long-term sustainability.