Thousands of passengers found themselves stranded across Asia today, January 13, 2026, as widespread operational disruptions led to 91 flight cancellations and 2,854 delays. The travel chaos impacted major airlines including Batik Air, Japan Airlines (JAL), Korean Air, and Singapore Airlines, affecting key international hubs across Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, China, Turkey, South Korea, and Thailand.^[1][2] ### Regional Gridlock Grips Major Airports The extensive flight disruptions created significant strain at major airports throughout the region. Jakarta Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Indonesia was the most affected hub, reporting 762 delays and 10 cancellations. S^[1]outh Korea's Incheon International Airport experienced 484 delays, while Tokyo Haneda in Japan saw 336 delays and 5 cancellations. I^[1]stanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Turkey recorded 196 delays and 35 cancellations, making it a notable cancellation hotspot. Ot^[1][2]her significant impacts included Shanghai Pudong with 294 delays and 3 cancellations, and Singapore Changi Airport with 256 delays and 2 cancellations. Bei^[1]jing Capital, Phuket, Hangzhou, and New Chitose airports also faced substantial disruptions. Thi^[1]s widespread issue highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining smooth air travel across a highly interconnected continent. ## Airlines Grapple with Operational Strain Several airlines bore the brunt of today's operational challenges. Batik Air emerged as the single largest driver of cancellations, recording 141 delays and 10 cancellations. Jap^[1]an Airlines faced over 180 delays, though it largely avoided widespread cancellations. Kor^[2]ean Air reported 93 delays, while Singapore Airlines experienced 53 delays. Sco^[1]ot, another carrier, logged 72 delays. Ot^[1]her airlines, including ANA Wings, Air China, China Eastern, and KLM, were responsible for a majority of the cancellations. Eve^[1]n major global carriers like Emirates, Qantas, Air India, and Cathay Pacific reported scattered delays, underscoring the ripple effect across the global aviation system. In ^[1][2]Turkey, Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines accounted for most of the disruptions at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. ### ^[2]Travelers Face Uncertainty Amidst Delays Thousands of passengers found their travel plans upended, facing prolonged waits and last-minute itinerary changes. The predominant pattern across Asia was delay-heavy rather than cancellation-heavy, suggesting that while the system was strained, it largely managed to keep moving, albeit at a slower pace. This ^[2]situation often forces travelers to seek rebooking options or make unexpected accommodation arrangements. The disruptions on January 13, 2026, serve as a reminder of the continuous challenges in maintaining seamless air travel in an increasingly busy and interconnected world. Airli^[2]nes and airports continue to manage high demand alongside various operational complexities, which can lead to such widespread events. Passengers are advised to consistently monitor their flight status for the latest information.

AI Insights Hub