Regional air connectivity across Northern and Western China has encountered significant operational hurdles as China Express Airlines reported a series of flight disruptions starting on 1st and continuing on 2nd January, 2025. Recent data indicates that a total of 14 cancellations and 88 delays have been recorded. This surge in logistical instability has primarily impacted travel corridors within Xinjiang, Gansu, Shaanxi and Inner Mongolia, creating a challenging environment for commuters and regional travelers alike.

A Breakdown of the Affected Flights

The disruption to the flight schedule was characterized by a variety of short-haul and medium-haul regional services. It was observed that a significant portion of the impacted fleet included the Comac ARJ21-700 (identified by the 909 designation in flight logs), the Bombardier CRJ-900 (CRJ9) and the Airbus A321.

A heavy concentration of these disruptions was noted during a forty-eight-hour window between Thursday and Friday. For instance, several sequences of flights operated by the CRJ9 and 909 aircraft types were subject to schedule shifts. The high volume of delays relative to the total number of flights suggests that the airline’s regional hubs were under considerable strain.

The specific routes affected by these operational changes span the vast geographical expanse of Northwest and North China. Notable flight paths that experienced scheduling issues include:

• Xinjiang Intraprovincial Routes: Services connecting Kuqa (KCA) to Kashgar (KHG) and subsequent legs from Kashgar to Shihezi Huayuan (SHF) and Tacheng (TCG), were among the primary routes listed.
• Gansu Corridors: Multi-leg journeys between Lanzhou Zhongchuan International (LHW), Zhangye Ganzhou (YZY) and Dunhuang (DNH) saw consistent activity in the disruption logs.
• Shaanxi to Inner Mongolia: Long-distance regional connections, such as the A321 service from Xi’an Xianyang International (XIY) to Baotou (BAV) and Xilinhot (XIL), were also included in the list of affected movements.

Delays

With 88 delays reported, one-fifth of the scheduled services were unable to meet their original departure times, resulting in a delay percentage of 20% for the carrier’s regional network.

Affected Airports

Probable Impact on Local Tourism

The suspension and delay of these flights are expected to have a tangible impact on the tourism sectors of Xinjiang, Gansu and Inner Mongolia. Since many of these routes serve as the primary link to UNESCO World Heritage sites—such as those near Dunhuang and Kashgar—the disruption of a 20% delay rate may lead to missed tours and shortened stays.

In regions like Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang, where distances between cities are vast and ground transportation can take several days, the reliability of air travel is essential for high-end tourism and business travel. When over a dozen flights are suspended, the local hospitality industry in these areas often sees a secondary wave of cancellations as travelers find themselves unable to reach their destinations.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For those currently navigating the travel landscape in Xinjiang, Gansu, Shaanxi or Inner Mongolia, several steps are recommended. It is advised that passengers check their flight status via official airline apps or airport monitors before departing for the terminal.

Under standard aviation protocols in China, passengers affected by significant delays or cancellations may be entitled to rebooking on the next available flight or, in some cases, a full refund. Communication with China Express Airlines ground staff at the affected airports is encouraged to ensure that accommodation or alternative travel arrangements are secured.

-The information provided is sourced from FlightAware.

The post Xinjiang, Gansu, Shaanxi and Inner Mongolia Experiences Travel Disruption as China Express Airlines Suspends over a Dozen Flights and Delays Numerous others across China, New Update appeared first on Travel And Tour World.