Published on
November 4, 2025
Travelers across Southeast Asia are once again dealing with large-scale Asia flight cancellations, as AirAsia, Philippine Airlines, and Singapore Airlines halted more than 120 flights within two days. The disruptions have affected major hubs including Manila, Bangkok, Singapore, and Da Nang, impacting both domestic and international routes across Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore.
The ripple effect from these disruptions has left thousands of passengers stranded or forced to rebook their trips at short notice. Airlines are blaming operational bottlenecks, crew shortages, and aircraft maintenance delays. The situation has revealed ongoing weaknesses in the region’s aviation recovery, especially during high-travel periods.
Vietnam and Malaysia Ground Key Regional Flights
Vietnam reported several cancellations centered around its main hubs. Vietravel Airlines suspended multiple services between Da Nang International Airport and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, including flights TVJ965, TVJ963, and another TVJ965 rotation. Additionally, at Phu Quoc International Airport, flight TVJ983 to Bangkok was also cancelled.
These repeated route suspensions underline ongoing strain in regional connections that are vital for tourism and cross-border business travel.
In Malaysia, AirAsia cancelled flights between Kuala Lumpur and Tiruchirapalli, India (AXM27), halting one of its essential South Asia connections. The cancellation adds to concerns over scheduling instability in Malaysia’s outbound international network.
Key Vietnam & Malaysia impacts:
- Multiple Vietravel Airlines flights between Da Nang and Bangkok cancelled
- Phu Quoc to Bangkok service suspended
- Kuala Lumpur to Tiruchirapalli (AXM27) grounded by AirAsia
Bangkok and Chiang Mai See Dozens of Cancellations
Thailand recorded one of the highest totals of suspended flights in the region. Bangkok airport cancellations involved both Vietravel Airlines and Siam World Airways, which halted routes between Suvarnabhumi Airport and destinations such as Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Phnom Penh’s Techo International Airport.
In Chiang Mai, flight TVJ103 bound for Bangkok was also cancelled, disrupting domestic travelers who rely on this connection for work and leisure.
The numerous Bangkok-based cancellations indicate that short-haul travel routes between Thailand and its neighboring countries remain highly susceptible to disruptions.
Thailand cancellations included:
- Multiple Vietravel Airlines flights to Da Nang and Phu Quoc suspended
- Siam World Airways routes to Phnom Penh cancelled
- Chiang Mai’s outbound service to Bangkok halted
Philippines Records the Largest Volume of Disruptions
The Philippines saw the highest concentration of flight disruptions, with over 80 departures cancelled across six airports. Carriers including Cebu Pacific (GAP) and Philippine Airlines cancelled numerous domestic flights connecting Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, and Bacolod.
At Mactan-Cebu International Airport, more than 25 flights were grounded, interrupting major island routes to Siargao, Davao, Butuan, and Zamboanga. Manila International Airport followed with over 30 cancellations, halting services to Puerto Princesa, Caticlan, and Tacloban.
Both domestic and international connections, including flights to Singapore and Japan, were affected. Philippine Airlines delays were among the most widespread, further frustrating passengers already facing backlogs.
Highlights of Philippines disruptions:
- Over 80 flights cancelled across six airports
- Major routes affected: Manila–Cebu, Manila–Iloilo, and Cebu–Siargao
- Philippine Airlines delays on domestic and Japan-bound flights
- Cebu–Singapore and Cebu–Japan long-haul routes suspended
The scale of cancellations points to continued strain on the Philippine aviation sector, with maintenance demands, unpredictable weather, and staffing issues all contributing factors.
Singapore Sees Disruptions to Key International Routes
Singapore Changi Airport reported three major cancellations that affected both passenger and cargo operations. Singapore Airlines disruptions included cargo flight SIA7864 bound for Hong Kong, as well as two passenger flights to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (SIA902 and TGW384).
These interruptions disrupted travel between Singapore and the Philippines—a vital route for business and tourism alike. The cancellations also show how operational delays in one country can trigger cascading effects across the region.
Singapore’s grounded flights included:
- SIA7864 cargo service to Hong Kong
- SIA902 and TGW384 passenger flights to Cebu
Overview of Flight Cancellations Across Asia
The table below summarizes the major cancellations recorded across the region’s key hubs:
| Country/Region | Airline(s) Involved | Affected Routes/Destinations | Number of Cancellations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | Vietravel Airlines | Da Nang–Bangkok, Phu Quoc–Bangkok | 4 |
| Malaysia | AirAsia | Kuala Lumpur–Tiruchirapalli | 1 |
| Thailand | Vietravel Airlines, Siam World Airways | Bangkok–Da Nang, Bangkok–Phu Quoc, Bangkok–Phnom Penh, Chiang Mai–Bangkok | 10+ |
| Philippines | Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific | Manila–Cebu, Cebu–Siargao, Manila–Iloilo, Cebu–Singapore, Cebu–Japan | 80+ |
| Singapore | Singapore Airlines | Singapore–Hong Kong, Singapore–Cebu | 3 |
| Total | — | — | 120+ flights cancelled |
Impact on Passengers
The widespread Asia flight cancellations have disrupted travel plans for thousands of passengers across the region. Many travelers have faced long lines at help desks, last-minute rebookings, and overnight stays at airports.
Airports such as Manila, Bangkok, and Singapore are particularly affected, with many travelers reporting hours-long delays in assistance. In some cases, passengers were offered vouchers or rebookings within 24 to 48 hours, depending on aircraft and crew availability.
The domino effect from these disruptions has also impacted connecting flights, forcing some passengers to miss international transfers or business appointments.
Analyzing the Broader Pattern Across Asia
The current wave of Asia flight cancellations highlights an ongoing struggle across regional air networks. Major hubs—Manila, Bangkok, Singapore, and Da Nang—have all experienced overlapping disruptions that underscore the fragility of intra-Asia operations.
Short-haul flights, especially those between secondary cities such as Cebu, Bacolod, and Da Nang, remain the most vulnerable. Analysts point to a mix of issues behind the scenes, including:
- Persistent crew shortages
- Tight maintenance schedules
- Air traffic congestion at major airports
- Unpredictable weather patterns
These factors continue to hinder the aviation sector’s efforts to return to pre-pandemic efficiency levels.
The Outlook for Travelers and Airlines
As airlines ramp up operations to meet post-pandemic demand, the latest disruptions prove that full recovery is still uneven. Southeast Asia’s tourism-driven economies rely heavily on stable air connectivity, and recurring cancellations could dampen traveler confidence.
Passengers are urged to stay updated through Manila flight updates and local airport advisories to manage potential delays. For carriers such as AirAsia and Philippine Airlines, maintaining on-time performance amid rising demand will be essential for restoring reliability and trust.
Ultimately, these Asia flight cancellations reveal that despite impressive recovery figures, the region’s aviation system remains susceptible to sudden and widespread operational shocks.
