Flights Cancelled Hurting Asia as Japan, Jordan, China, Indonesia, Iraq Cancel 369 and Delay 5,238 Affecting Emirates, ANA, Batik, Akasa and Other Airlines at Tokyo, Amman, Shanghai, Jakarta, Sulaymaniyah and More

By: Indranil Mukherjee

Image generated with Ai

Flights across Asia faced major disruption as Japan, Jordan, China, Indonesia and Iraq recorded widespread operational challenges, with airports reporting 369 cancellations and 5,238 delays affecting Emirates, ANA, Batik, Akasa and other airlines. The disruption impacted major aviation hubs including Tokyo, Amman, Shanghai, Jakarta, Sulaymaniyah and more cities across the region. Meanwhile, airlines and airports worked to manage the growing pressure caused by operational constraints, schedule interruptions and network challenges. Furthermore, passengers experienced longer waiting times, cancelled services and uncertain connections as airlines adjusted operations. The latest disruption highlights the fragile nature of Asia’s interconnected aviation network, where delays at major hubs can quickly affect international and regional journeys. Travellers are advised to check updated flight information and remain prepared for further changes.

China Drives Asia’s Largest Aviation Disruption With Heavy Airport Delays

China has emerged as the most affected aviation market in the reported data, with several major airports experiencing significant delays and cancellations. Shanghai Pudong International Airport recorded the highest disruption level among all listed airports, with 899 delays and 41 cancellations.

Other major Chinese aviation gateways also faced considerable challenges. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport recorded 631 delays and 6 cancellations, while Beijing Capital International Airport reported 545 delays and 16 cancellations. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport experienced 389 delays and 20 cancellations, adding further pressure to the country’s domestic and international aviation operations.

Additional Chinese airports also reported widespread delays, including Chengdu Tianfu International Airport with 253 delays and 8 cancellations, Xi’an Xianyang International Airport with 224 delays and 6 cancellations, Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport with 190 delays and 6 cancellations, and Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport with 98 delays and 9 cancellations.

The scale of disruption across China indicates widespread operational challenges affecting passenger movement through some of Asia’s most important air transport hubs.

Asian Airlines Face Rising Operational Pressure

Airline performance data shows that Chinese carriers experienced some of the largest disruption levels. China Eastern recorded 61 cancellations and 982 delays, making it the airline with the highest reported delay figure in the data.

Air China reported 22 cancellations and 569 delays, while China Southern Airlines recorded 3 cancellations and 689 delays, highlighting major operational challenges among China’s largest carriers.

Other Chinese airlines also faced delays, including Spring Airlines with 11 cancellations and 191 delays, China Express Airlines with 10 cancellations and 96 delays, Tianjin Airlines with 6 cancellations and 100 delays, Qingdao Airlines with 3 cancellations and 28 delays, Juneyao Airlines with 2 cancellations and 173 delays, Shanghai Airlines with 2 cancellations and 168 delays, XiamenAir with 1 cancellation and 248 delays, Hainan Airlines with 1 cancellation and 219 delays, Lucky Air with 1 cancellation and 100 delays, and Chengdu Airlines with 1 cancellation and 53 delays.

The airline disruption pattern shows that both full-service and low-cost carriers across China are experiencing significant schedule interruptions.

Major Asian Airports Beyond China Also Experience Travel Disruptions

The disruption has extended beyond mainland China, affecting several important Asian aviation centres.

Tokyo Haneda International Airport recorded 312 delays and 5 cancellations, creating challenges for passengers travelling through Japan’s busiest airport. Airlines operating in Japan also reported delays, with All Nippon Airways recording 3 cancellations and 159 delays, ANA Wings reporting 6 cancellations and 74 delays, and Japan Airlines recording 2 cancellations and 133 delays.

India’s Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi reported 134 delays and 11 cancellations, affecting domestic and international passengers travelling through one of South Asia’s busiest gateways. Indian carriers also experienced disruptions, with IndiGo reporting 5 cancellations and 131 delays, SpiceJet recording 9 cancellations and 21 delays, and Akasa Air reporting 3 cancellations and 9 delays.

Indonesia’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta recorded 211 delays and 22 cancellations, while airlines including Batik Air reported 21 cancellations and 63 delays and Garuda Indonesia recorded 3 cancellations and 25 delays.

Gulf Aviation Hubs Add Further Pressure to Asia Travel Routes

Major Middle Eastern airports that serve as important connecting points between Asia, Europe and other global markets also recorded disruptions.

Dubai International Airport reported 356 delays and 16 cancellations, while Doha’s Hamad International Airport recorded 159 delays and 11 cancellations. Kuwait International Airport experienced 134 delays and 9 cancellations.

Saudi Arabia also faced disruption, with King Khalid International Airport reporting 121 delays and 30 cancellations, and King Abdulaziz International Airport recording 110 delays and 28 cancellations.

Other regional airports affected included Sharjah International Airport with 59 delays and 11 cancellations, Queen Alia International Airport with 46 delays and 11 cancellations, Bahrain International Airport with 44 delays and 10 cancellations, Erbil International Airport with 4 delays and 15 cancellations, Gizan Regional Airport with 38 cancellations, Najran Domestic Airport with 18 cancellations, and Jalal Talabani International Airport with 3 cancellations.

Airlines serving these routes also reported operational challenges. Saudia recorded 46 cancellations and 52 delays, while Emirates reported 5 cancellations and 229 delays, FlyDubai recorded 11 cancellations and 79 delays, Qatar Airways reported 4 cancellations and 139 delays, Etihad Airways recorded 2 cancellations and 146 delays, Flynas reported 4 cancellations and 52 delays, flyadeal recorded 6 cancellations and 37 delays, and Air Arabia reported 11 cancellations and 52 delays.

What Affected Passengers Should Do Now

Passengers travelling through affected airports across Asia should closely monitor their flight status before leaving for the airport. Airline mobile applications, official websites and airport departure boards remain the most reliable sources for real-time updates.

Travellers facing delays should contact their airline directly for information about revised departure times, alternative connections or possible rebooking options. Passengers affected by cancellations should avoid arriving at airports without confirmation of their replacement travel arrangements.

Those with connecting flights through major hubs such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tokyo, Delhi, Dubai or Doha should allow additional time for possible schedule changes. Keeping important travel documents, accommodation details and onward journey information easily accessible can help reduce disruption during unexpected changes.

Passengers should also check baggage arrangements carefully if flights are rescheduled or rerouted, as changes in departure times may affect luggage handling and connecting travel plans.

Asia Aviation Network Remains Under Significant Pressure

The latest disruption data highlights continued pressure across Asia’s aviation system, with China’s major airports and airlines experiencing the largest impact. However, delays and cancellations have also spread across Japan, India, Indonesia and key Gulf connecting hubs.

With thousands of passengers affected by schedule interruptions, travellers across the region are advised to remain alert, confirm flight information regularly and maintain flexible travel plans until operations stabilise.

Data Verification Notice

The Data is extensively curated by me with figures derived from Flightaware dated 18 July 2026, 4:36 pm ET USA
Primary Source: Real-time data aggregated via FlightAware.
Verification Protocol: Statistics are cross-checked by our human editorial desk. Timestamped logs and feed snapshots are securely archived internally to maintain historical accuracy.
Note: Real-time tracking figures represent active airspace data and may experience minor variances from local airport terminal gates.
Travelers are advised to check respective airline and airports for more latest information and updates