Flight Delays Expected Across China Today Due to Storms
By Bridget O'Donnell
The heavy rainstorms hitting China this weekend are expected to disrupt air travelers across the country over the next few days.
Yesterday's downpour in northern China already led to the cancellation of 366 flights out of Beijing Capital International Airport. And on Wednesday, a majority of flights from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport en route to Beijing were reportedly canceled after 8pm.
Transportation authorities say passengers can expect massive delays until Saturday (June 24) as heavy downpours, lightning and even hail are expected to hit across the country, impacting flight operations.
According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) air traffic control bureau, these airports can expect the following delays today (June 23):
- Beijing Capital International Airport: from 12-8pm, flight capacity decreased by 40 percent
- Shanghai (Hongqiao and Pudong): from 5pm to midnight, flight capacity to decrease by 40 percent
- Wuhan Tianhe International Airport: from 11am-6pm, flight capacity to decrease by 50 percent
China Eastern Airlines earlier this week also announced that inbound and outbound flights were expected to be affected the worst in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai (Pudong and Hongqiao), Guangzhou, Taiyuan and Shijiazhuang.
Travelers today and tomorrow are recommended to check the status of their flights closely as the bad weather hits.
To get real-time information on delays and cancellations, click "Read more" below.