413 Flights Cancelled: Beijing – Chaos gripped Beijing and large parts of northern China on Saturday as violent winds led to hundreds of flights cancelled in northern China, halted rail services, and shuttered top tourist attractions.
The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) attributed the disruption to a massive cold vortex system that originated in Mongolia and barreled into China.
The weather authority warned that the gales, some reaching record-breaking speeds, could persist through the weekend. “Wind speeds at some stations may surpass historical records for this period since 1951,” the CMA announced.
Second-Highest Weather Alert Issued as Flights Cancelled in Northern China
For the first time in a decade, Beijing issued an orange alert—the second-highest warning level—for high winds. The result: flights cancelled in northern China surged dramatically, with Beijing Capital International Airport alone cancelling 413 flights by Saturday morning, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Subway services, including the airport express line, along with multiple high-speed rail routes, were also suspended as authorities prioritized public safety amid deteriorating conditions.
Tourism Disrupted: Iconic Sites Close as Flights Cancelled in Northern China
As flights cancelled in northern China continue to rise, local tourism also took a hit. In the capital, popular landmarks such as the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Beijing Zoo, and Universal Studios Beijing all shut down operations temporarily.
Residents and tourists alike were urged to stay indoors. CCTV reported that nearly 300 trees had been uprooted, damaging at least 19 vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far in Beijing.
Climate Change Concerns Resurface as Flights Cancelled in Northern China
The extreme wind event prompting mass flight cancellations in northern China has reignited concerns about climate change.
China remains the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, and scientists have long warned that global warming would result in more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
Just last year, severe flooding and heavy storms displaced thousands and led to multiple fatalities. In May, a deadly highway collapse in southern China claimed 48 lives after relentless rainfall.
These incidents underline the growing vulnerability of infrastructure and transportation systems to climate-induced disasters, with the latest case being flights cancelled in northern China due to a freak wind system.
No End in Sight as Flights Cancelled in Northern China Climb
The situation remains fluid, with authorities monitoring weather patterns closely. With flights cancelled in northern China still mounting and services disrupted, travelers have been advised to check with their carriers and exercise caution. The CMA warns that similar wind patterns could return if the Mongolian cold vortex remains active.
