Flight Disruptions Today: 453 Delays and 104 Cancellations Hit Jakarta, Tokyo, Osaka, and Guangzhou

Air China, Japan Airlines, and Batik Air are among the worst-hit carriers as disruptions grip major airports across China, Japan, and Indonesia

A serious wave of flight disruptions has hit Asia today, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded at some of the region's busiest airports. Across China, Japan, and Indonesia, 453 flights have been delayed and 104 cancelled on 21 April 2026, causing widespread disruption to both international and domestic travel. Passengers at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta, Tokyo Haneda, Osaka Itami, and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport are among those most severely affected, facing hours-long waits, missed connections, and last-minute changes to their travel plans.

Aviation authorities have attributed the disruptions to a combination of adverse weather conditions, technical difficulties, and operational pressures hitting multiple airlines at the same time.

Air China has experienced the most significant disruption of any carrier today. A total of 165 delays and 21 cancellations have been recorded across its network, with Beijing Capital International Airport and Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport bearing the heaviest impact. Routes connecting Chongqing, Shenyang, and Guangzhou to major destinations, including Beijing and Shanghai, have been severely affected. Several flights at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport have been grounded entirely, leaving affected passengers awaiting rebooking onto alternative services.

Japan Airlines has also been hit hard, with numerous flights from Tokyo Haneda and Osaka Itami either cancelled or subject to substantial delays. Domestic routes connecting Tokyo to Fukuoka, Matsuyama, and Kochi have seen the most significant disruption. The airline has cited technical faults affecting its aircraft fleet as well as increased air traffic control restrictions across Japanese airspace as the key reasons behind the interruptions. For travellers connecting through Japan to destinations elsewhere in Asia, the knock-on impact on onward journeys has been considerable.

Indonesia's Batik Air has recorded 9 cancellations and 11 delays today, with flights between Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta and popular leisure destinations, including Bali, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta, caught up in the disruption. Weather-related pressures and operational challenges at Soekarno-Hatta have been identified as the primary causes. Holidaymakers travelling to Bali in particular have been among those most frustrated by the unexpected interruptions to their journeys.​​​​​​​

Airlines and airport authorities have indicated that disruptions are unlikely to clear quickly. The backlog created by today's cancellations and delays is expected to take several days to fully resolve as carriers work to rebook passengers and restore normal operations. Travellers with upcoming flights through any of the affected airports should monitor their flight status closely and allow extra time when travelling to the airport.

Passengers caught up in these disruptions should contact their airline directly to understand their rebooking options. Those facing cancellations are entitled to an alternative flight or a full refund where applicable. It is important to retain all travel documentation, including boarding passes and any written communication received from the airline, as these will be essential for processing travel insurance claims. Travellers with insurance cover should notify their provider promptly. Crystal Travel customers with affected bookings should contact our team directly for assistance with rebooking, alternative routing options, and guidance on their rights as a passenger.

We are actively monitoring this situation and will continue to provide updates as further information becomes available.​​​​​​​