Thousands of passengers are currently stranded as major airlines like China Eastern, Korean Air, JAL, Singapore Airlines, SpiceJet, and other carriers cancel over 500 flights worldwide. This unprecedented disruption has left travelers in chaos, with flights grounded across multiple countries, including China, India, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and more. The cancellations have severely impacted major airports, especially in cities like Guangzhou, Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and Jakarta. As a result, passengers are facing long delays, canceled trips, and uncertainty about when they can continue their journeys. This disruption is causing immense frustration, particularly for those with connecting flights or time-sensitive plans. With more cancellations expected, the travel situation remains unstable, forcing airlines and authorities to scramble for solutions. Passengers are urged to stay informed and seek alternatives as the situation continues to evolve.

A total of 682 flights have been canceled, and 1,478 others have been delayed, causing widespread chaos at airports. Passengers are facing long queues and uncertainty, with major hubs like Guangzhou, Hong Kong International, and Los Angeles particularly affected. The ongoing disruptions are forcing many travelers to seek alternative routes and make last-minute adjustments to their plans.

Affected Cities and Airports

The cities and airports affected by the flight cancellations include Zhuhai (Zhuhai International Airport), Chengdu (Chengdu Tianfu International Airport), Guangzhou (Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport), Ningbo (Ningbo Lishe International Airport), Wenzhou (Wenzhou International Airport), Lanzhou (Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport), Shanghai (Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport), Wuhan (Wuhan Tianhe International Airport), Jieyang (Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport), Shenzhen (Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport), Hangzhou (Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport), Nanjing (Nanjing Lukou International Airport), Xi’an (Xi’an Xianyang International Airport), Zhanjiang (Zhanjiang Airport), Macau (Macau International Airport), Beijing (Beijing Daxing International Airport), Huai’an (Huai’an Lianshui Airport), Hong Kong (Hong Kong International Airport), Kaohsiung (Kaohsiung International Airport), Taipei (Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport), Xiamen (Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport), Sydney (Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport), Melbourne (Melbourne Tullamarine Airport), Los Angeles (Los Angeles International Airport), Jakarta (Soekarno–Hatta International Airport), Bali (Ngurah Rai International Airport), Tokyo (Narita International Airport), Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport), Penang (Penang International Airport), Phuket (Phuket International Airport), Fukuoka (Fukuoka Airport), Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur International Airport), Singapore (Singapore Changi Airport), Srinagar (Srinagar Airport), Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport), Darbhanga (Darbhanga Airport), Leh (Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport), Bengaluru (Kempegowda International Airport), Karachi (Jinnah International Airport), Gilgit (Gilgit Airport), and Islamabad (Islamabad International Airport).

Major Airlines Affected

China Eastern Airlines

China Eastern Airlines, one of China’s largest carriers, reported numerous flight cancellations. These disruptions affected both domestic and international routes, stranding passengers and causing widespread travel delays. Passengers were advised to check the airline’s official website for the latest updates and rebooking options.

Korean Air

Korean Air also experienced significant flight cancellations, particularly on regional international routes. The airline cited operational challenges and fleet delays as contributing factors to the disruptions. Affected passengers were encouraged to contact the airline directly for assistance and to explore alternative travel arrangements.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines faced cancellations on several of its flights, including those between Hong Kong and Singapore. The airline attributed these disruptions to unforeseen operational issues. Passengers were offered rebooking options and were advised to monitor the airline’s official channels for the most current information.

SpiceJet

SpiceJet, India’s low-cost carrier, grounded multiple flights, affecting both domestic and international services. The airline’s sudden cancellations led to passenger frustration, with many travelers seeking alternative transportation options. SpiceJet’s customer service was reportedly overwhelmed with inquiries and rebooking requests.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific experienced cancellations primarily on routes between Hong Kong and destinations like Taiwan, Singapore, and the Philippines. The airline cited weather-related disruptions, likely due to storms or typhoons, as the primary cause. Passengers were advised to check the airline’s official website for the latest flight status and rebooking options.

Shenzhen Airlines

Shenzhen Airlines, a subsidiary of Air China, reported cancellations on several domestic routes within China. The airline’s operations were affected by operational challenges, leading to significant delays and passenger inconvenience. Affected travelers were encouraged to contact the airline directly for assistance.

AirAsia

AirAsia faced flight cancellations in anticipation of Typhoon Paeng, particularly affecting routes in the Philippines. The airline implemented flight adjustments to ensure passenger safety, offering rebooking options and encouraging affected travelers to check their registered email and mobile for notifications.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)

Pakistan International Airlines grounded several domestic flights, including those between Islamabad and Gilgit. The airline cited operational reasons for the cancellations. Passengers were advised to contact PIA’s customer service for rebooking and refund options.

Affected Routes

The flight cancellations affected several airlines and their respective routes. China Eastern Airlines (CES) had disruptions on routes such as Zhuhai (ZUH) to Chengdu (TFU), Guangzhou (CAN) to Ningbo (NGB), Shanghai (SHA) to Shenzhen (SZX), and Shanghai (PVG) to Zhanjiang (ZHA). Korean Air (KAL) faced cancellations on routes like Hong Kong (HKG) to Seoul (ICN), Sydney (SYD) to Hong Kong (HKG), and Los Angeles (LAX) to Hong Kong (HKG). Japan Airlines (JAL) had its flights from Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Hong Kong (HKG) affected, while Singapore Airlines (SIA) had cancellations on routes such as Singapore (SIN) to Hong Kong (HKG), Los Angeles (LAX) to Singapore (SIN), and Shanghai (PVG) to Singapore (SIN). SpiceJet (SEJ) was impacted on its routes from Srinagar (SXR) to Delhi (DEL) and Bengaluru (BLR) to Delhi (DEL). Cathay Pacific (CPA) saw disruptions on routes like Hong Kong (HKG) to Sydney (SYD) and Hong Kong (HKG) to Los Angeles (LAX). Shenzhen Airlines (CSZ) experienced cancellations from Shenzhen (SZX) to Shanghai (SHA) and Shenzhen (SZX) to Singapore (SIN). AirAsia (AXM) had cancellations on routes from Hong Kong (HKG) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Shenzhen (SZX) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI). Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) faced cancellations on its routes from Gilgit (GIL) to Islamabad (ISB) and Islamabad (ISB) to Sukkur (SKZ). These widespread cancellations left travelers stranded across multiple cities.

What to Do if Your Flight Gets Cancelled: A Quick Guide

Flight cancellations can be frustrating, but knowing the right steps to take can help minimize stress. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself in this situation:

Stay Updated
Monitor your email, phone, and the airline’s app for rebooking confirmation or further announcements.

Stay Calm and Check for Updates
As soon as you learn your flight is canceled, stay calm and check for updates. Many airlines will notify you via text, email, or their app. Visit the airline’s website for real-time updates on the situation.

Contact the Airline
Reach out to the airline’s customer service either in person at the airport or over the phone. If you’re at the airport, head to the service desk. If you’re not, try calling or using the airline’s online chat system to avoid waiting in long queues.

Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with the airline’s policies regarding cancellations. Many airlines offer rebooking options or compensation, especially if the cancellation is within their control. In the EU, for example, passengers are entitled to compensation under certain conditions.

Consider Alternative Flights
Ask the airline about the next available flight. If you can’t find a suitable option, consider booking a new flight through another airline, or check for other forms of transport like trains or buses.

Looking Ahead: What Travelers Need to Know

As the flight cancellations continue to affect travel, it is crucial for passengers to stay informed. Airlines are advising travelers to monitor their flight statuses regularly through their official apps and websites. For those affected, contacting customer service early and exploring rebooking options are the best ways to secure a new itinerary.

Passengers should also be prepared for potential delays and have contingency plans in place for any missed connections. Furthermore, travelers should keep an eye on possible compensation options, including refunds or travel credits, as many airlines are offering these to affected passengers.

Ongoing Travel Disruptions

The widespread flight cancellations have caused considerable disruption, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at airports worldwide. Airlines like China Eastern, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, SpiceJet, and others continue to deal with the fallout of these disruptions. Passengers are encouraged to stay in contact with their airlines and be prepared for potential delays or rescheduling of their flights.

As the situation evolves, travelers are urged to remain flexible and patient while airlines work to restore their services. In the meantime, it’s vital to stay informed through official airline channels and make alternative arrangements wherever necessary.

Source: FlightAware