On August 26, 2025, Air China caused widespread travel disruptions, abandoning passengers across major cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, Penglai, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Shanghai, Changchun, Zhuhai, Yangzhou, Chongqing, Zhanjiang, Nyingchi and Kunming. Over twenty flights were grounded, leading to severe delays and cancellations. According to FlightAware data, the airline’s operations were severely impacted, with 29 cancellations (1%) and 413 delays (21%) reported. These disruptions have caused major congestion at airports and left passengers stranded, significantly affecting travel within China. This article provides an in-depth look at the consequences and what passengers can do now.

A Breakdown of the Affected Flights

Air China’s cancellations span various aircraft types and routes, primarily affecting domestic travel within China. A total of 29 flights have been grounded, representing 1% of the airline’s scheduled operations, with 413 delays amounting to 21% of its total daily flight operations. The grounded flights cover a wide range of destinations, including major cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou and Xiamen. These disruptions have left passengers stranded, particularly at peak travel times, resulting in frustration and confusion.

Notably, the cancellations included flights such as CCA1301 (A330) from Beijing Capital International Airport to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, scheduled for 03:10 PM CST and CCA2610 (A321) from Penglai International to Chengdu Tianfu International, scheduled for 03:25 PM CST. The delays and cancellations span throughout the day, affecting a broad spectrum of travellers and intensifying congestion at the affected airports.

Affected Routes

The cancellation of flights has had a direct impact on domestic routes from China’s largest cities. Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xiamen, Hangzhou and Shanghai were some of the major departure points affected by the disruptions. Routes such as Beijing to Guangzhou, Beijing to Xiamen and Chengdu to Zhuhai were significantly impacted.

The flights grounded by Air China included key domestic routes connecting major economic and tourism hubs in China. For example, the cancellation of flight CCA1301, connecting Beijing Capital International to Guangzhou Baiyun, one of the most trafficked domestic routes, disrupted the flow of business and leisure passengers. Similarly, the grounding of flights between Chengdu Tianfu International and Zhuhai International created a ripple effect on local business and tourism activities in both cities.

Delays Were Widespread

Delays were not only frequent but also widespread across several flights. With 413 flights delayed, passengers experienced considerable waiting times. The delays, which affected more than 20% of Air China’s flights, were scattered throughout the day, making it difficult for passengers to predict when they could expect their flights to depart.

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Passengers travelling on flights such as CCA1522 from Shanghai Hongqiao to Beijing Capital, or CCA1816 from Xiamen Gaoqi to Beijing Capital, were particularly impacted. Long delays meant that many passengers found themselves stuck at airports for hours, with limited options to reschedule or find alternative flights. The cascading delays also made it challenging for passengers to manage their onward connections, especially for those travelling internationally or connecting to other domestic flights.

Affected Airports

Several of China’s busiest airports were significantly affected by Air China’s disruptions, including Beijing Capital International (PEK), Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN), Chengdu Tianfu International (TFU), Xiamen Gaoqi International (XMN), Hangzhou Xiaoshan International (HGH) and Shanghai Hongqiao International (SHA). These airports experienced heavy congestion as thousands of passengers were left to wait for their rebooked flights.

Beijing Capital International, as one of the world’s busiest airports, bore the brunt of the cancellations and delays. The sheer volume of delayed and cancelled flights impacted check-in counters, customer service desks and security lines. Similarly, airports like Guangzhou Baiyun and Chengdu Tianfu, which are major international transit hubs, were overwhelmed with stranded passengers, leading to frustration and confusion as travellers tried to find new flight arrangements.

Probable Impact on Local Tourism in Affected Cities

The grounding of over twenty Air China flights has had a notable impact on local tourism in the affected cities. Cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Xiamen are prime tourist destinations in China, attracting millions of domestic and international visitors each year. The disruptions have led to a temporary halt in the movement of tourists, particularly those travelling for business, leisure or cultural purposes.

In cities like Chengdu, known for its historical significance and tourism appeal, the grounding of flights has led to a reduction in the number of tourists visiting local attractions, hotels and restaurants. Similarly, the tourism industry in Guangzhou, which is famous for its cuisine and shopping, also felt the pinch as international and domestic flights to and from the city were delayed or cancelled.

The impact on local economies is expected, especially in terms of lost revenue from the tourism sector. With fewer passengers arriving and departing, the hospitality industry, including hotels, tour operators and transport services, has also faced temporary setbacks.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For passengers affected by the cancellations and delays, it is essential to know the options available. Air China offers the possibility of rebooking on alternative flights or providing refunds for those who can no longer travel. However, given the high volume of affected travellers, it may take some time for passengers to receive rebooking assistance.

Passengers should first reach out to Air China’s customer service or check the airline’s mobile app for information about rebooking options and flight statuses. Those who wish to cancel their travel plans may be eligible for a full refund depending on the airline’s policies. Travellers should also check the status of their connecting flights to ensure that delays or cancellations do not affect their onward journey.

In addition to contacting Air China directly, passengers are advised to stay informed by checking flight status boards at affected airports or signing up for real-time notifications via the airline’s website or app. Those unable to get immediate assistance may find it useful to explore other travel options, such as flights with other carriers or alternative transport methods like high-speed trains, which are widely available across China.

Wednesday Cancellations: What Travellers Need to Know

Travellers should be aware that Air China has announced cancellations for several flights scheduled for Wednesday, August 27, 2025. The affected flights include:

• CCA1841: Beijing Capital International (PEK) to Yangzhou Taizhou (YTY)
• CCA4359: Chongqing Jiangbei International (CKG) to Zhanjiang (ZHA)
• CCA2533: Chengdu Tianfu International (TFU) to Nyingchi Mainling (LZY)
• CCA1475: Beijing Capital International (PEK) to Kunming Changshui International (KMG)

As per FlightAware data, these cancellations could lead to additional delays across multiple airports, further straining passenger flow. Those travelling on Air China flights on Wednesday should check flight statuses in advance and be prepared for potential disruptions. It is advisable to contact the airline for rebooking options or consider alternative travel arrangements.

Conclusion

Air China’s decision to ground over twenty flights has resulted in significant travel disruptions across key Chinese cities, as detailed by FlightAware data. With hundreds of delays and cancellations, passengers have been left in a state of uncertainty, particularly in Beijing, Guangzhou and Chengdu. While rebooking options are available, the high volume of affected travellers means that some may face extended wait times. It is crucial for passengers to stay informed and proactive by checking flight statuses and exploring alternative options to manage their travel disruptions. As the situation stabilizes, further updates will be necessary to guide affected passengers.