On November 1, 2025, Shenzhen Airlines experienced a significant operational disruption that has frustrated travelers across China. The airline’s services faced nine cancellations along with an extensive number of delays, leaving many passengers to navigate last-minute changes to their travel plans. Reports indicate that a total of 110 flights were delayed across major cities, including Shanghai, Zhengzhou, Nanjing, Huizhou, and several others. This widespread turmoil has raised concerns about the reliability of Shenzhen Airlines as customers deal with rescheduling and logistical challenges.
A Breakdown of the Affected Flights
The nine cancelled flights mark a notable operational challenge for Shenzhen Airlines, highlighting the strain on both morning and afternoon travel schedules. Passengers found themselves scrambling for alternative arrangements following these cancellations, which primarily involved two aircraft types: the Boeing 737-800 (B738) and the Airbus A320 (A320). These planes are essential for many short- to medium-haul routes. The cancellations affected departures from as early as 7:10 AM CST to as late as 5:50 PM CST, illustrating that the disruptions spanned a significant portion of the day.
| Ident | Type | Origin | Destination | Scheduled Departure Time |
| CSZ8377 | B738 | Zhengzhou Xinzheng Int’l (CGO) | Huizhou Pingtan Airport (HUZ) | Sat 07:10AM CST |
| CSZ8131 | B738 | Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX) | Taiyuan Wusu (TYN) | Sat 09:30AM CST |
| CSZ9513 | A320 | Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX) | Shanghai Pudong Int’l (PVG) | Sat 10:10AM CST |
| CSZ8378 | B738 | Huizhou Pingtan Airport (HUZ) | Zhengzhou Xinzheng Int’l (CGO) | Sat 10:15AM CST |
| CSZ8132 | B738 | Taiyuan Wusu (TYN) | Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX) | Sat 01:15PM CST |
| CSZ9514 | A320 | Shanghai Pudong Int’l (PVG) | Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX) | Sat 01:50PM CST |
| CSZ9623 | A320 | Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX) | Harbin Taiping Int’l (HRB) | Sat 02:45PM CST |
| CSZ9929 | A320 | Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX) | Jinan Yaoqiang (TNA) | Sat 05:35PM CST |
| CSZ9090 | B738 | Macau Int’l (MFM) | Nanjing Lukou Int’l (NKG) | Sat 05:50PM CST |
The cancellations significantly impacted essential travel routes, affecting key connections between both major urban centers and regional hubs. Notable routes impacted include:
- Shenzhen to Shanghai (SZX-PVG): This high-demand route was disrupted in both directions, catering to business and leisure travelers alike.
- Shenzhen to Taiyuan (SZX-TYN): A critical link for southern and northern commerce now faced serious interruptions.
- Zhengzhou to Huizhou (CGO-HUZ): This regional route also experienced cancellation in both directions, adding to local chaos.
- Shenzhen to Harbin (SZX-HRB): Essential for bridging southern and northern Thailand, this connection faced significant delay.
- Macau to Nanjing (MFM-NKG): This was the only international route disrupted, affecting travelers from the Special Administrative Region.
Delays
In addition to the nine cancellations, Shenzhen Airlines reported a staggering total of 110 delayed flights, translating to approximately a 16% delay rate across their network during this turmoil. The extensive number of delays creates a ripple effect, impacting connecting flights and overall trust in the airline’s reliability. Passengers experienced extended wait times, complicating their onward travel plans significantly.
Affected Airports
The disruptions spanned multiple cities in both Mainland China and the Macau Special Administrative Region, with each airport encountering at least one cancellation. The extent of the operational issues signals widespread repercussions for the nation’s air travel framework:
- Shenzhen Bao’an Int’l (SZX): The main hub for Shenzhen Airlines, recorded five cancellations.
- Shanghai Pudong Int’l (PVG): A vital international entry point, affected by two cancellations.
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Int’l (CGO): Experienced two cancellations.
- Huizhou Pingtan Airport (HUZ): Also saw two flights cancelled.
- Taiyuan Wusu (TYN): Suffered from two cancellations.
- Harbin Taiping Int’l (HRB): Reported one cancellation.
- Jinan Yaoqiang (TNA): Affected by one cancellation.
- Nanjing Lukou Int’l (NKG): Experienced one cancellation.
- Macau Int’l (MFM): The only airport outside of Mainland China to be affected, with one cancellation.
Probable Impact on Local Tourism
Given that all disrupted locations fall within Mainland China and Macau, the travel chaos poses a threat to domestic tourism. Flights connecting commercial powerhouses like Shanghai and Shenzhen with popular tourist destinations, including Harbin and Macau, will likely lead to immediate changes in itineraries for both business and leisure travelers. The focus on critical domestic routes suggests that economic repercussions may be felt in inter-provincial travel and hotel bookings within these cities.
What Affected Passengers Can Do Now
Passengers facing cancelled or significantly delayed flights are encouraged to promptly reach out to Shenzhen Airlines or their travel agent. Typically, affected travelers hold the right to either request a full refund or be rebooked onto the next available flight without additional charges. In cases of extended delays, airlines may be obligated to provide meals and accommodations, depending on the circumstances surrounding the disruptions. Detailed queries around rebooking and compensation should be directed to the airline’s customer service.
In summary, the recent turmoil at Shenzhen Airlines has underscored the vulnerabilities present in the travel industry, particularly when disruptions ripple across major travel corridors. Passengers must stay informed and proactive in managing their travel plans amidst these challenges.
