China’s tourism and aviation sectors faced a major setback on August 2, 2025, as torrential rains, flash flooding, and extreme weather conditions triggered widespread travel chaos across some of the country’s busiest airports. Tourists, both domestic and international, found themselves stranded due to hundreds of flight cancellations and delays caused by severe monsoonal activity, especially in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou.
According to updates from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and real-time air traffic monitoring platforms, the mass flooding led to over 2,000 cumulative flight delays and dozens of cancellations at five major international hubs: Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, Shanghai Hongqiao, Shenzhen Bao’an, and Guangzhou Baiyun.
Beijing Faces Torrential Rain and Disruptions
Beijing Capital International Airport, already operating under heightened weather alerts issued by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), experienced 216 flight delays and 18 cancellations. Air China bore the brunt of the disruption, reporting 123 delays. China Eastern and Hainan Airlines also reported operational slowdowns.
Tourists en route to the capital’s historical attractions such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China were among the most affected. Authorities issued a Level II Emergency Response for flood control across several districts, urging non-essential travel to be avoided.
Shanghai: Double Trouble at Pudong and Hongqiao
Shanghai’s twin airports – Pudong International and Hongqiao International – collectively saw nearly 800 delays and 11 cancellations. Pudong alone logged 500 delays, severely affecting outbound international flights. China Eastern Airlines was the most impacted, followed by Shanghai Airlines and Juneyao Airlines.
Hongqiao Airport, serving mostly domestic routes, also saw delays impacting intercity tourism travel to Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Nanjing. The local government deployed emergency drainage crews as flood waters disrupted road access to terminals, compounding traveler frustrations.
Guangzhou Baiyun: Southern Hub Hit Hard
In southern China, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport reported 525 delays and 18 cancellations. China Southern Airlines, the airport’s largest carrier, recorded 252 delayed flights. Travelers headed to the Greater Bay Area, including destinations like Zhuhai and Macau, experienced cascading travel disruptions.
Guangzhou, experiencing record rainfall in over a decade, issued red alerts for flooding across key transportation arteries. City officials advised travelers to expect further delays throughout the first week of August.
Shenzhen Bao’an: Coastal City Weathered by Storm
Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport faced the highest number of delays, totaling 657, with 20 cancellations. The coastal city has been battered by monsoon rains and high humidity, with wind gusts reaching hazardous levels. Affected carriers included China Southern Airlines, Spring Airlines, and Shenzhen Airlines.
Tourists bound for nearby attractions like Dameisha Beach and OCT East were advised by local tourism offices to postpone or reroute their travel. The Shenzhen Municipal Transport Bureau mobilized additional shuttle services to assist passengers in reaching alternate destinations or rail hubs.
Widespread Impact on Travelers and Airlines
Among the airlines affected across the five airports were national carriers China Eastern, China Southern, and Air China. These three airlines alone accounted for over 1,000 delayed flights on August 2. Budget and regional carriers, including Spring Airlines and Loong Air, also experienced operational challenges.
While some passengers were accommodated in hotels under emergency protocols, many were left waiting inside terminals for hours, with limited access to food and rest areas. In response, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism issued a statement recommending travelers to check for real-time weather advisories via official apps such as China Weather Net and the CAAC mobile app.
Government Response and Travel Advisory
The National Meteorological Center (NMC) has forecasted continued rainstorms over northern and eastern China, with the possibility of more flooding through the weekend. The Ministry of Transport has advised all travelers planning to fly into or out of affected regions to verify flight status before heading to airports and to consider alternate transportation, such as high-speed rail, where feasible.
As of August 3, emergency management offices in Beijing and Shanghai are coordinating with airport authorities to improve passenger support services and clear flooded access roads. China’s national emergency alert system remains active in 11 provinces, reflecting the broad geographical impact of the extreme weather event.
Travelers Advised to Stay Alert
With much of China entering peak tourism season, including the upcoming Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day) on August 10, tourism operators are bracing for more disruptions. Tourists already in the country are urged to register with local embassies and follow guidance from regional tourism boards and civil aviation authorities.
Conclusion
As the effects of climate change intensify, tourism in China is becoming increasingly susceptible to sudden weather events. The August 2 floods serve as a stark reminder of the importance of travel insurance, flexible itineraries, and real-time alerts for all travelers. Tourists, airlines, and tourism operators alike are now navigating an uncertain path as they wait for clearer skies to resume regular operations.
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