The plane is owned by Henan Airlines in the central Chinese province of the same name. Reporters were denied entry into the company's facility in Zhengzhou Wednesday. Staff members and guards at the entrance said the company would not accept any request for interview or make any comment.

Its parent company, Shenzhen Airlines based in the southern boom city neighboring Hong Kong, said all flights run by Henan Airlines had been canceled as of Wednesday.

Henan Airlines flies smaller regional jets, mainly on routes in north and northeast China. Previously known as Kunpeng Airlines, the carrier was relaunched as Henan Airlines earlier this year.

It launched the Harbin-Yichun route only two weeks ago.

The two cities are about five hours drive apart. The Lindu Airport, located in a mountain valley covered with lush forest about 9 kilometers away from downtown Yichun, opened on Aug. 27 last year.