Typhoon Champi: Japan Airlines cancels flights at nine airports

Japan Airlines has pre-emptively cancelled flights at nine airports between 22 and 24 October as Typhoon Champi approaches the coasts of eastern Asia, according to Simple Flying. Travellers heading to or through Japan, China and Taiwan may face disruption in the coming days.

What is known about the storm

Simple Flying reports that Champi is heading towards Taiwan and mainland China, and may later hit the south of Japan. It cites the South China Morning Post as describing the system as the strongest typhoon of the year. The storm passed close to Guam, where the eye came within 10 miles of the island, according to AS, and about half of Guam lost power. It was reported to have been upgraded from Category Four to Category Five.

Citing Rus Tourism News, Simple Flying says Guam Airport saw cancellations last weekend but was able to keep operating as normal because the island avoided a direct hit.

Airlines and airports affected

Japan Airlines has cancelled flights at nine airports for 22 to 24 October. The article does not name the airports. The carrier said its decisions on operations would depend on the latest weather information and recommended that passengers check flight arrival and departure information.

On the Chinese mainland, the South China Morning Post, citing Variflight, says the airports likely to be hit hardest are Wenzhou Longwan, Fuzhou Changle, Ningbo Lishe, Hangzhou Xiaoshan, Shanghai Hongqiao, Shanghai Pudong and Xiamen Gaoqi. The Star reports that Thai authorities have warned passengers flying from Thailand to Taiwan that plans could change up to 24 October.

Military exercise also affected

Stars & Stripes reports that US and Japanese commanders have cancelled or scaled back parts of the Keen Sword exercise in south-west Japan, which involves 56,000 personnel. Changes are being made daily according to forecasts, though participants do not expect a major impact.

Typhoons and past disruption

Simple Flying notes that typhoon cancellations are common and often widespread. In August 2023, Emirates and Japan Airlines cut flights ahead of Typhoon Lan. Two weeks later, Hong Kong Airlines cancelled more than 30 flights because of Typhoon Saola.

What this means for travellers

• Check your flight status on the airline's website or app before leaving for the airport, especially for travel on 22 to 24 October.
• Japan Airlines passengers should use its arrival and departure information page, as the airline says decisions depend on the latest weather.
• Those connecting through the Chinese airports listed above, or flying between Thailand and Taiwan, should allow for possible changes.
• Contact your airline or booking agent about rebooking options if your flight is cancelled. The sources do not detail Japan Airlines' rebooking or refund terms.

The full extent of disruption is expected to become clear in the coming days as the storm's path firms up.

Sources: Simple Flying