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Severe Weather Grounds 56 Flights and Delays 263 from ANA Wings, All Nippon Airways, and Chengdu Airlines, Stranding Passengers Across Japan and China, Including Tokyo, Osaka, Chengdu, and Kashgar – Know How To Navigate the Travel Chaos
As the winter weather intensifies across Asia, major disruptions have struck air travel, affecting thousands of passengers across key routes in Japan and China. Three leading airlines—ANA Wings, All Nippon Airways, and Chengdu Airlines—have been forced to cancel numerous flights due to adverse weather conditions. Passengers, who were already anticipating their travels, now face frustration, uncertainty, and the challenging task of rebooking their flights. In total, these airlines canceled more than 20 flights this weekend, with the cancellations mainly affecting routes in Japan and China’s northern regions.
Key Affected Airlines: ANA Wings, All Nippon Airways, and Chengdu Airlines
- ANA Wings and All Nippon Airways: ANA Wings and All Nippon Airways are two branches of Japan’s leading carrier, All Nippon Airways (ANA). They serve key domestic and international routes, primarily across Japan but also into China. The severe weather, including heavy snow and icy conditions in parts of Japan, significantly affected their scheduled flights, particularly those flying to and from northern Japan.
- Chengdu Airlines: Chengdu Airlines, a prominent Chinese carrier, also found itself affected by adverse weather. With flights canceled primarily in the northwest regions of China, including areas such as Altay, Tacheng, and Karamay, many passengers traveling for leisure and business were disrupted.
These cancellations represent a substantial portion of their weekend schedules, with ANA and All Nippon Airways particularly impacted by weather-related delays in Hokkaido and other northern regions of Japan, and Chengdu Airlines seeing the brunt of the disruption across central and western China.
The Main Airports Affected
ANA Wings and All Nippon Airways
The following airports faced massive disruption due to cancellations:
- Tokyo International (Haneda) Airport (HND / RJTT) – Tokyo’s primary international airport, Haneda was severely impacted by cancellations, especially those to northern destinations like New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) and Hachijojima (HAC / RJTH).
- Osaka International (Itami) Airport (ITM / RJOO) – The Osaka airport witnessed cancellations to and from destinations in northern Japan and New Chitose, including flights operated by ANA Wings.
- New Chitose Airport (CTS / RJCC) – Located in Hokkaido, this airport was a major site for cancellations. Flights to and from New Chitose, particularly to Osaka and Tokyo, were severely disrupted.
- Fukuoka Airport (FUK / RJFF) – One of the major southern airports in Japan, Fukuoka saw its services to New Chitose affected, though disruptions were not as widespread as those seen in the north.
Chengdu Airlines
Chengdu Airlines also had its main airports impacted:
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU / ZUUU) – The hub for Chengdu Airlines saw a few cancellations, though this was not as disruptive as the weather events in China’s northern regions.
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY / ZLXY) – Flights traveling from Chengdu to Xi’an and surrounding areas faced the worst of the weather disruptions.
- Altay Airport (AAT / ZWAT) – Affected by winter storms, cancellations occurred to destinations like Korla (KRL / ZWKL) and Tacheng (TCG / ZWTC).
Key Areas Affected by Cancellations
ANA Wings and All Nippon Airways
The key areas affected by flight cancellations were mainly located in northern Japan, which faced snowstorms and extreme cold temperatures:
- Hokkaido – Cities like Sapporo, Hakodate, and New Chitose suffered major disruptions, as ANA flights to New Chitose were canceled due to snow and icy conditions.
- Tokyo Metropolitan Area – Haneda Airport, located in Tokyo, experienced widespread delays and cancellations, particularly affecting those traveling to northern and southern Japan.
- Osaka and Kyoto – The Kansai region faced delays in flight services, as weather conditions impacted the routes traveling northward to Hokkaido.
Chengdu Airlines
Chengdu Airlines had its operations most affected by bad weather across central and western China:
- Xinjiang and Altay Regions – These northern and western regions were hit hard by the weather. Flights operating out of Altay and Tacheng to destinations like Urumqi and Karamay faced disruptions.
- Karamay and Kashgar – These key cities in Xinjiang Province were also hit with flight cancellations, leaving both business and tourist travelers stranded.
- Aksu – Flight cancellations affected travelers to Aksu, where the snowstorms created hazardous conditions for airlines to operate.
Affected Routes and Cities in Detail
ANA Wings and All Nippon Airways
- Tokyo International (Haneda) to Hachijojima: Flight ANA1891 from Tokyo to Hachijojima was grounded due to weather conditions. Passengers traveling to the scenic islands of Hachijojima were forced to rebook flights, many of them experiencing delays of more than 24 hours.
- Osaka to New Chitose: ANA771 and ANA59 were both canceled on Sunday morning. These flights from Osaka to New Chitose serve one of the busiest travel corridors, connecting southern and northern Japan. Affected passengers struggled to find alternate connections as the airport remained inoperable for hours.
- Tokyo to New Chitose: Multiple cancellations (ANA59, ANA61, ANA63, ANA65, ANA69) left passengers stranded at both Tokyo and New Chitose airports. The long delays exacerbated an already tense situation for travelers heading to Hokkaido for tourism or business purposes.
Chengdu Airlines
- Altay to Korla: UEA2988 was canceled due to heavy snow in Altay, leaving passengers stranded at the regional airport. The route is vital for local business and tourism, linking the Altay region with the larger cities in China.
- Yining to Tacheng: UEA3025 was grounded due to worsening weather conditions along the route, severely affecting passengers traveling to and from the sparsely populated western areas.
- Karamay to Kashgar: Another affected route for Chengdu Airlines, UEA2967, saw cancellations between Karamay and Kashgar. These cancellations impacted travelers moving between key regions of Xinjiang, particularly during the winter months when tourism peaks.
Stranded Passengers: A Nightmare for Travelers Amid Winter Disruptions
The recent wave of flight cancellations has left thousands of passengers in a state of uncertainty and distress. Not only have these disruptions thrown travel plans into chaos, but they have also exposed major flaws in the airline industry’s ability to handle severe weather events. Passengers, who had booked flights with the hope of reaching important meetings, family gatherings, or vacation destinations, now face long delays and, in some cases, total rebooking headaches.
For those stuck at airports, particularly in remote areas with limited accommodation options, finding last-minute hotels or alternative transport has proven to be a monumental challenge. With flights grounded across critical routes in Japan and China, many travelers are left scrambling for ways to continue their journey, often paying hefty last-minute fares for alternative routes. Families, business travelers, and tourists alike find themselves in a frustrating battle against time and limited resources, contributing to an atmosphere of confusion and tension.
Advice for Passengers Facing Cancellations
- Stay Informed: Airlines often provide real-time updates via their mobile apps and websites. Travelers should check these regularly for the latest information on rescheduled flights.
- Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with passenger rights for cancellations, including potential compensation, meal vouchers, and hotel accommodations provided by the airline.
- Plan for Delays: If your flight is canceled, try to rebook immediately. Airlines often prioritize rebooking their passengers on the next available flight, but these slots fill up quickly.
- Consider Alternative Airports or Routes: If your scheduled departure is delayed for a long period, look into flying from a nearby airport or consider connecting flights that might bypass the weather-affected areas.
Local Tourism Hit Hard: A Temporary Setback for Popular Destinations
The cancellation of flights has led to a significant dip in tourism numbers in key regions, particularly in Japan and China’s northern areas, known for their winter tourism appeal. Regions like Hokkaido in Japan, which rely heavily on winter sports tourism, were hit hardest. Ski resorts, hot spring resorts, and winter-themed attractions saw a sharp decline in visitor numbers as flights from major hubs like Tokyo and Osaka were canceled, leaving tourists stranded or unable to reach their destinations in time.
Similarly, the western regions of China, including areas famous for their natural beauty and historical landmarks, felt the effects of the cancellations. The tourism industry in places like Kashgar, Altay, and Karamay, which draw a significant number of visitors for their scenic landscapes and cultural heritage, experienced a slowdown in bookings. Both international and domestic tourists, whose travel plans were disrupted, found it difficult to rebook their flights, creating a ripple effect that hindered local businesses dependent on tourism income.
How Local Tourism Can Bounce Back
- Reinforce Communication with Tourists: Local businesses, including hotels, resorts, and tourist attractions, need to implement robust communication channels to keep tourists informed about changing schedules. This can include SMS alerts, emails, and timely updates through social media.
- Offer Flexible Booking Policies: To attract tourists who are uncertain about traveling during adverse weather conditions, businesses can offer flexible booking options, such as refundable tickets or options to change dates without penalties.
- Promote Domestic Tourism: In the wake of these cancellations, destinations should look to boost local tourism by marketing to residents. Special discounts or packages aimed at domestic travelers can help fill the gap left by international tourists.
- Leverage the Off-Season: Winter cancellations present an opportunity to highlight off-season activities in affected regions, encouraging travel at less popular times of the year when destinations can more easily manage visitor numbers.
Turning Adversity Into Opportunity: How the Travel Industry Can Revive
Despite the massive disruption, this unfortunate situation offers the travel industry a chance to evolve and better handle similar challenges in the future. While weather-related cancellations are inevitable, the industry can take proactive steps to minimize their impact on both passengers and businesses. Advanced weather forecasting systems and real-time updates from airlines are vital in ensuring that passengers are well-informed before arriving at the airport.
Moreover, airlines can invest in technology that streamlines rebooking and compensation processes, making it easier for passengers to adjust their travel plans. For instance, automated rebooking systems that prioritize passengers based on urgency and connecting flights could expedite the recovery process during major disruptions.
Additionally, both airlines and tourism boards should collaborate to create contingency plans for weather-related events. This could involve offering joint packages that allow travelers flexibility to shift destinations or dates, mitigating the blow from flight cancellations. By working together, the tourism sector can rebound more quickly from disruptions, ensuring that passengers’ needs are met and businesses remain operational.
What Travelers Should Do Next: Weathering the Storm and Moving Forward
For travelers facing the dilemma of canceled flights, here are some essential steps to take:
- Reach Out to Your Airline Immediately: Airlines will prioritize rebooking, but with high demand, it’s crucial to act fast. Call their customer service line or visit their rebooking counters for quicker assistance. If you can’t get through on the phone, use the airline’s website or app to make changes.
- Consider Alternative Transport: If you’re stuck in a region for an extended period, consider other transportation options like trains, buses, or even rental cars. For example, if you’re stuck in Tokyo but need to reach Osaka, consider high-speed trains, which offer a more reliable option during snowstorms.
- Find Shelter: If you’re stuck at an airport overnight, check with your airline about accommodations. Many airlines offer hotel vouchers or discounts for stranded passengers. Alternatively, check nearby hotels or hostels, particularly those near major transit hubs.
- Keep Calm and Be Patient: Flight disruptions are stressful, but the more composed you remain, the easier it will be to find a solution. Patience is key when dealing with rebooking and finding alternative solutions.
How the Travel Industry Can Build Resilience for Future Disruptions
The recent disruptions underscore the need for the travel industry to adopt a proactive, flexible approach in the face of severe weather events. By improving contingency plans, enhancing communication systems, and embracing innovative technology, the industry can better navigate such challenges. The situation also highlights the importance of adaptability for both airlines and tourists—offering alternative solutions, flexible booking options, and clear communication will ensure that both business and leisure travelers continue to have positive experiences even in the midst of disruptions.
Breakdown of the Flight Cancellation Tables
ANA Wings
| Ident | Type | Origin | Destination | Scheduled Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AKX430 | B738 | Fukuoka (FUK / RJFF) | Osaka Int’l (Itami) (ITM / RJOO) | Sat 07:20PM JST |
| AKX274 | B738 | Fukuoka (FUK / RJFF) | Tokyo Int’l (Haneda) (HND / RJTT) | Sat 09:35PM JST |
| AKX1633 | DH8B | Osaka Int’l (Itami) (ITM / RJOO) | Matsuyama (MYJ / RJOM) | Sun 07:20AM JST |
| AKX731 | B738 | Osaka Int’l (Itami) (ITM / RJOO) | Sendai (SDJ / RJSS) | Sun 08:00AM JST |
| AKX1636 | DH8B | Matsuyama (MYJ / RJOM) | Osaka Int’l (Itami) (ITM / RJOO) | Sun 08:45AM JST |
| AKX4872 | DH8B | Kushiro (KUH / RJCK) | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Sun 09:05AM JST |
| AKX4882 | DH8B | Nakashibetsu (SHB / RJCN) | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Sun 09:40AM JST |
| AKX734 | B738 | Sendai (SDJ / RJSS) | Osaka Int’l (Itami) (ITM / RJOO) | Sun 09:55AM JST |
| AKX505 | DH8B | Osaka Int’l (Itami) (ITM / RJOO) | Miyazaki (KMI / RJFM) | Sun 10:10AM JST |
| AKX773 | B738 | Osaka Int’l (Itami) (ITM / RJOO) | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Sun 10:10AM JST |
| AKX4841 | DH8B | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Wakkanai (WKJ / RJCW) | Sun 10:25AM JST |
| AKX4862 | DH8B | Memanbetsu (MMB / RJCM) | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Sun 11:00AM JST |
| AKX4853 | DH8B | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Hakodate (HKD / RJCH) | Sun 11:10AM JST |
| AKX1897 | DH8B | Aomori (AOJ / RJSA) | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Sun 11:25AM JST |
| AKX1173 | B738 | Komatsu (KMQ / RJNK) | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Sun 11:40AM JST |
| AKX4842 | DH8B | Wakkanai (WKJ / RJCW) | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Sun 11:55AM JST |
| AKX508 | DH8B | Miyazaki (KMI / RJFM) | Osaka Int’l (Itami) (ITM / RJOO) | Sun 11:55AM JST |
| AKX379 | B738 | Okayama (OKJ / RJOB) | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Sun 12:15PM JST |
| AKX4854 | DH8B | Hakodate (HKD / RJCH) | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Sun 12:20PM JST |
| AKX776 | B738 | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Osaka Int’l (Itami) (ITM / RJOO) | Sun 12:25PM JST |
All Nippon
| Ident | Type | Origin | Destination | Scheduled Departure Time |
|---|
| ANA1891 | A320 | Tokyo Int’l (Haneda) (HND / RJTT) | Hachijojima (HAC / RJTH) | Sun 07:35AM JST |
| ANA771 | 787 | Osaka Int’l (Itami) (ITM / RJOO) | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Sun 08:40AM JST |
| ANA1892 | A320 | Hachijojima (HAC / RJTH) | Tokyo Int’l (Haneda) (HND / RJTT) | Sun 09:10AM JST |
| ANA59 | B772 | Tokyo Int’l (Haneda) (HND / RJTT) | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Sun 10:10AM JST |
| ANA289 | 787 | Fukuoka (FUK / RJFF) | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Sun 10:30AM JST |
| ANA61 | B772 | Tokyo Int’l (Haneda) (HND / RJTT) | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Sun 11:10AM JST |
| ANA63 | B772 | Tokyo Int’l (Haneda) (HND / RJTT) | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Sun 12:10PM JST |
| ANA62 | B772 | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Tokyo Int’l (Haneda) (HND / RJTT) | Sun 12:40PM JST |
| ANA65 | B78X | Tokyo Int’l (Haneda) (HND / RJTT) | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Sun 01:10PM JST |
| ANA707 | A321 | Chubu Centrair Int’l (Centrair) (NGO / RJGG) | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Sun 01:25PM JST |
| ANA64 | B772 | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Tokyo Int’l (Haneda) (HND / RJTT) | Sun 01:40PM JST |
| ANA67 | B78X | Tokyo Int’l (Haneda) (HND / RJTT) | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Sun 02:10PM JST |
| ANA290 | 787 | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Fukuoka (FUK / RJFF) | Sun 02:30PM JST |
| ANA66 | B772 | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Tokyo Int’l (Haneda) (HND / RJTT) | Sun 02:40PM JST |
| ANA69 | B772 | Tokyo Int’l (Haneda) (HND / RJTT) | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Sun 03:10PM JST |
| ANA68 | B78X | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Tokyo Int’l (Haneda) (HND / RJTT) | Sun 03:40PM JST |
| ANA777 | A321 | Osaka Int’l (Itami) (ITM / RJOO) | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Sun 04:05PM JST |
| ANA778 | A321 | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Osaka Int’l (Itami) (ITM / RJOO) | Sun 04:25PM JST |
| ANA70 | B78X | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Tokyo Int’l (Haneda) (HND / RJTT) | Sun 04:40PM JST |
| ANA74 | B772 | New Chitose (CTS / RJCC) | Tokyo Int’l (Haneda) (HND / RJTT) | Sun 05:40PM JST |
Chengdu Airlines
| Ident | Type | Origin | Destination | Scheduled Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UEA2988 | 909 | Altay (AAT / ZWAT) | Korla (KRL / ZWKL) | Sat 06:10PM CST |
| UEA2798 | 909 | Heihe (HEK / ZYHE) | Harbin Taiping Int’l (HRB / ZYHB) | Sat 06:45PM CST |
| UEA3056 | 909 | Jiangbulake Airport (JBK / ZWQT) | Aksu (AKU / ZWAK) | Sat 07:10PM CST |
| UEA2206 | A320 | Chizhou Jiuhuashan (JUH / ZSJH) | Chengdu Tianfu Int’l (TFU / ZUTF) | Sat 08:05PM CST |
| UEA3025 | 909 | Yining (YIN / ZWYN) | Tacheng (TCG / ZWTC) | Sun 08:30AM CST |
| UEA2967 | 909 | Turpan Jiaohe (TLQ / ZWTL) | Karamay (KRY / ZWKM) | Sun 09:20AM CST |
| UEA2971 | 909 | Turpan Jiaohe (TLQ / ZWTL) | Tacheng (TCG / ZWTC) | Sun 09:25AM CST |
| UEA3025 | 909 | Tacheng (TCG / ZWTC) | Altay (AAT / ZWAT) | Sun 10:10AM CST |
| UEA2967 | 909 | Karamay (KRY / ZWKM) | Kashgar (Kashi) (KHG / ZWSH) | Sun 11:00AM CST |
| UEA2976 | 909 | Tacheng (TCG / ZWTC) | Turpan Jiaohe (TLQ / ZWTL) | Sun 11:50AM CST |
| UEA2968 | 909 | Kashgar (Kashi) (KHG / ZWSH) | Karamay (KRY / ZWKM) | Sun 01:35PM CST |
| UEA2975 | 909 | Turpan Jiaohe (TLQ / ZWTL) | Tacheng (TCG / ZWTC) | Sun 01:40PM CST |
| UEA2968 | 909 | Karamay (KRY / ZWKM) | Turpan Jiaohe (TLQ / ZWTL) | Sun 04:09PM CST |
| UEA3023 | 909 | Qiemo (IQM / ZWCM) | Kuqa (KCA / ZWKC) | Sun 04:55PM CST |
| UEA1881 | 909 | Harbin Taiping Int’l (HRB / ZYHB) | Jiagedaqi (JGD / ZYJD) | Sun 05:40PM CST |
| UEA1882 | 909 | Jiagedaqi (JGD / ZYJD) | Harbin Taiping Int’l (HRB / ZYHB) | Sun 07:45PM CST |
