Chinese state media described the incident as a “riot.” But Henan Radio said that airport patrons were fed up not only with the delays, but the staff‘s attitude.

There were not enough seats and passengers had to sit on their luggage eating instant noodles. The airport staff were indifferent and said “I don’t know” to questions asked of them, Henan Radio reported.

China has been building modern domestic airports. The total number of airports in China is expected to reach 244 by 2020, from 80 in 2011. But because China‘s military still commands most of the skies, delays have occurred. In 2012, Chinese airlines took off and landed on time on average only 74.8 percent of the time with Beijing Capital believed to have the worst delays of the country’s main airports.

By Lee Shin-young, Intern reporter (sylee@heraldcorp.com)