Flight Delayed or Cancelled in China? The CAAC Passenger Service Rules
In mainland China, passenger service during delays and cancellations is governed by the Regulations on the Administration of Public Air Transport Passenger Services (公共航空运输旅客服务管理规定), issued by the Ministry of Transport and in force since September 1, 2021, and enforced by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
How China's rules work
China does not set a single national cash compensation amount for delays. Instead, the regulations require each airline to set and publish its own conditions of carriage, including:
- How it handles delays and cancellations
- What meals, refreshments, and accommodation it provides
- Whether, when, and how it offers delay compensation, with its own standards
So what applies to you depends largely on your airline's published rules, which must be available on its website and at sales points.
Information and care
The regulations require airlines to tell passengers about delays and cancellations promptly, including the reason and the expected departure time, and to keep updating them. When a delay or cancellation is caused by the airline itself, such as aircraft maintenance, crew scheduling, or the airline's operations, it is generally expected to provide meals or accommodation. For causes outside the airline's control, such as weather, air traffic control, or security, airlines generally help arrange meals and accommodation, but the passenger may have to pay. Check your airline's published policy for the exact terms.
Refunds and changes
When the airline cancels a flight or causes a significant delay, and you choose not to fly, refunds for the unused ticket are generally made without a fee. If you choose to rebook, the airline's own rules on changes apply. Ask for the option you want in writing.
Main airports and airlines
Airports include Beijing Capital (PEK), Beijing Daxing (PKX), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX), Chengdu Tianfu (TFU), and Chongqing (CKG). Airlines include Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and Spring Airlines.
Where to complain
Complain to the airline or the airport first. If you are not satisfied with the answer, you can contact CAAC through its civil aviation service quality platform, the 12326 hotline and website: 12326.cn. CAAC's official site is caac.gov.cn.
FAQ
Is there a fixed amount for a 4-hour delay in China? There is no single national amount. Each airline publishes its own delay compensation standards, often tied to the cause and length of the delay.
Do these rules cover Hong Kong or Macau? No. They apply to mainland China. Hong Kong and Macau have separate aviation authorities.
What about flights from Europe to China? If you departed from an EU airport, EU261 may apply. See our EU261 guide.
Related guides
- Flight cancelled? What to ask for
- Missed a connection because of a delay?
- Flight delay rules around the world
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