Passengers of a China South Airlines flight clashed with security workers after being told their flight was cancelled and they received no "reasonable" explanation in Changshan, Hunan province.

The flight carrying travelers heading home for the festival was bound for Huaihua from Beijing on Thursday night and landed in Changsha Huanghua Airport for the transfer where passengers were told they were stranded due to what the Airlines said was the "weather factor".

The weather forecast at the time was good.

Passengers, who has been travelling since Thursday evening, demanded compensation and an apology from the airline for poor service and some are considering bringing a lawsuit.

A witness said about 30 people on board clashed with the airport security staff and tried to force their way through the security check. Others protested with posters reading "Shame on Nanhang (China South Airlines)".

Police were sent to curb the disturbance and two passengers were taken away.

Police guard the Changsha Huanghua Airport after passengers clashed with airport staff February 12, 2010. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Yang Fuying, official in charge of the airfield ground support of the Airlines said the uproar had caused five flight delays.