Typhoon Champi Sparks Travel Chaos as Hundreds of Flights Cancelled Across East Asia
Taiwan has suspended hundreds of air services as the storm threatens transport and daily activities. Although Champi has weakened from super typhoon status, it continues to carry dangerous winds.
Taiwan’s transport ministry cancelled all 262 domestic flights scheduled for Friday, October 23. More than 350 international flights were also cancelled as authorities prepared for worsening weather conditions.
Taiwan Prepares for Heavy Rain and Strong Winds
Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration reported that Champi was producing wind gusts reaching approximately 191 kilometres per hour near its centre. Its wind field extended about 320 kilometres, exposing large parts of Taiwan to potentially hazardous conditions.
Forecasters warned that northern mountainous areas, including regions near Taipei, could receive nearly one metre of rainfall. Coastal communities also received mobile phone alerts warning of dangerous winds and potentially destructive waves.
Authorities urged residents to avoid coastal areas and mountains while the storm passed nearby. Emergency teams prepared rescue equipment as officials monitored the storm’s movement and possible changes in its path.
Taiwan’s government evacuated nearly 1,300 people from mountainous areas, according to reports. One person had died and 94 others had been injured as the storm’s effects intensified.
Japan Airlines Also Cancel Services
The disruption has extended beyond Taiwan, with major Japanese airlines cancelling more than 100 flights. Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways and Skymark announced cancellations affecting thousands of travellers between Thursday and Sunday.
The changes were expected to affect more than 11,000 passengers, particularly those travelling on domestic routes. Yonaguni, Japan’s westernmost inhabited island in Okinawa Prefecture, was also expected to experience the storm’s effects.
Airlines have advised passengers to check their flight status before travelling to airports. Travellers may need to reschedule journeys as carriers adjust operations according to weather forecasts.
Storm Expected to Move Towards China and Japan
Forecasts indicated that Champi would pass near northeastern Taiwan before turning north towards waters off China. The storm was then expected to continue towards southern Japan, although its precise track could change.
Meteorologists warned that the storm’s unusually broad wind field could prolong dangerous conditions across affected areas. Even without a direct landfall, strong winds and heavy rainfall could disrupt transport and threaten coastal communities.
Taiwan also suspended financial market operations for Friday as authorities responded to the approaching typhoon. However, the north-south high-speed rail service was reported to be operating, while public transport in Taipei continued with reduced services.
Officials continued urging residents and visitors to follow weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel. Passengers with upcoming flights should monitor airline announcements because schedules and cancellation arrangements may change as Champi moves through the region.
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