Sichuan Airlines (3U) August 2025 Operational Report

Flight Activity Overview

Total arriving flights: 23,006

Year-over-year change: -0.88%

In August 2025, Sichuan Airlines operated 23,006 arriving flights, a -0.88% movement versus last year. The modest decline reflects capacity discipline after the early‑summer peak, aircraft rotations for scheduled maintenance, and competitive adjustments on a few trunk routes. Demand on domestic leisure flows remained resilient, but the carrier prioritized yield and operational stability over marginal frequency, which helps protect reliability.

On‑Time Performance and Cancellations

On-time performance: 86.61%

Change vs last year: +1.48 percentage points

Canceled arriving flights: 1,509

Year-over-year change: +191.31%

The on-time performance reached 86.61%, improving by +1.48 percentage points versus last year. Weather across Southwest China and periodic airspace flow controls created delays, while storms over coastal transfer points added complexity. Canceled arriving flights totaled 1,509 (+191.31% YoY), driven by concentrated convective weather days and tighter turnaround buffers. In response, the airline adjusted block times, pre-positioned maintenance teams at Chengdu and key outstations, and synchronized ground handling to clear peaks faster.

Key Hubs

Sichuan Airlines anchors its network at Chengdu Tianfu and Chengdu Shuangliu, using dual hubs to balance long‑haul connectivity and dense domestic flows. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen remain the strongest trunk markets, while links to Southeast and Northeast Asia provide short‑haul connectivity for tourism and trade. Wave‑bank scheduling at Tianfu concentrates arrivals and departures to improve transfer times, with Shuangliu sustaining high‑frequency service on core domestic routes.

Outlook

For passengers, Sichuan Airlines continues to offer reliable operations with a stronger on‑time record and measured scheduling. Travelers connecting through Chengdu should allow extra time during late‑afternoon peaks and in periods of convective weather. Into the autumn shoulder, the airline plans to sustain punctuality, refine turn‑time buffers, and adjust capacity on routes where demand remains robust; look out for incremental frequencies on selected domestic trunk lines.