Massive delays at Beijing Capital International Airport

June 18, 2010

Stranded travelers wait for news about delayed and canceled flights at Beijing Capitol Airport’s Terminal 3 in Beijing, China, on 17 June 2010. Almost all departures and many arrivals were severely delayed or canceled due to thunderstorms and hail in the area.

A flight information board displays canceled and delayed flights at Beijing Capitol Airport Terminal 3 in Beijing, China. Almost all departures and many arrivals were severely delayed or canceled due to thunderstorms and hail in the area.

A flight information board displays caanceled and delayed flights at Beijing Capitol Airport Terminal 3 in Beijing, China. Almost all departures and many arrivals were severely delayed or canceled due to thunderstorms and hail in the area.

Caught on the return trip from the US to China this week, I was among the thousands of travelers stranded at Beijing Capital International Airport. Severe thunderstorms crippled the airport, delaying or cancelling hundreds of flights for a day and a half. I took a few pictures while sorting out my own travel woes. Air China, thankfully, put me up in a decent-enough hotel while I waited for the mess to unwind. More pictures are available for licensing.