More than 60 flight cancellations and nearly 3,000 delays were reported across Asia on August 7, 2025, as heavy rainfall and thunderstorms wreaked havoc on air travel. Key aviation hubs including Shanghai Pudong, Beijing Capital, Shenzhen Bao’an, and Guangzhou Baiyun were hardest hit, with poor visibility and extreme weather grounding flights operated by top carriers like Air China, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Japan Airlines, and Korean Air.
Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport Faces Severe Disruption
Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport recorded 16 cancellations and a staggering 696 delays, affecting over 55% of all flights. China Southern Airlines alone reported 174 delayed flights and 8 cancellations, while Shenzhen Airlines logged delays on 222 flights—representing 65% of its operations.
Other carriers such as Juneyao Airlines, Spring Airlines, and China Eastern also experienced high disruption levels, with Juneyao Airlines reporting cancellation rates as high as 14%. International flights by All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, and AirAsia were not spared, although their impact was more limited.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Sees 854 Delays
Guangzhou Baiyun, a major gateway in southern China, reported 10 flight cancellations and 854 delays. China Southern once again took the brunt with 432 delays, while China Eastern logged 84. Air China also saw 51 delays and 3 cancellations, affecting long-haul services.
Juneyao Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and XiamenAir saw more than 60% of their flights delayed, with minimal capacity to reroute stranded passengers due to airport congestion and weather instability.
Shanghai Airports: Pudong and Hongqiao Disrupted
Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport saw 361 delays and 3 cancellations, affecting major carriers such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and American Airlines. Juneyao Airlines had 42 delays, while Shenzhen Airlines experienced one of the highest delay rates at 68%.
Shanghai Hongqiao International also logged 240 delays and 8 cancellations. Juneyao Airlines topped the list here too, with four cancellations and 25 delayed flights. China Eastern experienced 88 delays, while Spring Airlines and Shanghai Airlines reported delays nearing 40%.
Beijing Capital and Chengdu Tianfu Affected by Severe Weather
At Beijing Capital, 374 delays and 8 cancellations were confirmed. Air China was hit hardest with 255 delayed flights, while all eight cancellations were attributed to the national carrier. Other impacted airlines included Hainan Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines.
Chengdu Tianfu, a key southwestern hub, faced 340 delays and 4 cancellations. Air China, Sichuan Airlines, and Juneyao Airlines were the most affected, especially on domestic routes.
Regional Airports Also Bear the Brunt
Even regional airports were heavily impacted. Ningbo Lishe logged 158 delays and 5 cancellations; Chongqing Jiangbei recorded 297 delays and 4 cancellations. Lanzhou Zhongchuan reported 135 delays and 4 cancellations, with Shanghai Airlines cancelling half of its scheduled flights. Haikou Meilan saw 222 delays and 2 cancellations, as Hainan Airlines struggled with 77 delays.
These widespread disruptions caused national gridlock for China’s air transport system, affecting both business and leisure travelers.
Airlines Respond With Advisories and Rebooking Support
China Southern, China Eastern, and Air China quickly issued public advisories urging passengers to check their flight status online or via mobile apps before heading to the airport. However, overwhelmed support centers and limited staff meant that many travelers faced hours-long queues and limited rebooking options.
Spring Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines offered some flexibility in flight changes, but the volume of affected passengers severely strained available resources. Social media platforms showed packed terminals, delayed boarding calls, and sleeping passengers stretched across floors.
Prolonged Impact Expected Across Asia’s Aviation Sector
Aviation experts warn that the knock-on effects of this weather disruption will continue for days. Grounded aircraft, stranded crews, and out-of-position equipment will likely create scheduling bottlenecks throughout the week.
An operations manager in Shanghai stated, “This level of disruption causes a domino effect. Even after the weather clears, the backlog of affected flights and crew assignments creates operational headaches for days.”
Travelers across Asia are advised to stay updated on travel advisories and maintain flexibility with their plans. Passengers should also anticipate delays at customs, baggage claim, and connecting flights due to rescheduled operations.
Government and Aviation Authorities Monitoring Situation
China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) has confirmed ongoing efforts to manage flight scheduling and resource deployment. Air traffic controllers are working closely with airlines to prioritize essential routes and medical evacuations. The Ministry of Transport also issued statements urging local transportation providers to support diverted passengers with shuttle services and accommodation.
According to the China Meteorological Administration, the current weather system is expected to linger over eastern and southern China for the next 48 to 72 hours, with thunderstorms and heavy rainfall likely in provinces including Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Sichuan.
Conclusion: Patience and Preparedness Key Amid Travel Disruptions
With major airports in China experiencing record-setting delays, travelers are urged to remain patient and stay in contact with their airlines. As aviation authorities and airline operators work round the clock to restore normal operations, clear skies may still be days away.
Travel disruptions are becoming increasingly common due to volatile weather linked to climate patterns. This latest event reinforces the need for stronger contingency plans, digital customer service tools, and robust real-time communication between passengers and operators.
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