Super Typhoon Yagi causes widespread flight cancellations and delays, disrupting travel across Hong Kong and Hainan airports.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and Haikou Meilan International Airport are facing severe disruptions as Super Typhoon Yagi barrels toward the region, causing significant flight delays and cancellations. The travel chaos is being felt widely, with major airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Air China, and Cebu Pacific experiencing operational challenges.
Widespread Flight Cancellations and Delays
At Hong Kong International Airport, over 118 flights were delayed, and 44 flights were cancelled, with Cathay Pacific, HK Express, and Greater Bay Airlines among the most heavily impacted carriers. Chinese airlines like Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines were also hit by disruptions, alongside Cebu Pacific and Hainan Airlines. The situation mirrors what is happening at Haikou Meilan International Airport, where 20 flights were delayed, and 54 were cancelled as the storm moves toward the island province of Hainan.
With more than 38 flights cancelled preemptively on Thursday, passengers are being advised to stay updated on the status of their flights, with some airlines like Cathay Pacific providing additional flexibility for passengers by waiving ticket change fees. Cathay Pacific urged passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure to account for possible delays and congestion.
Emergency Measures at Airports
In anticipation of the typhoon’s landfall, HKIA has introduced several emergency measures aimed at minimizing disruption for passengers and airport staff. These include:
– Extended operating hours for airport restaurants and the automated people mover system.
– Temporary rest areas equipped with chairs and phone chargers for stranded passengers.
– Taxi distribution system aimed at reducing passenger congestion during severe weather. The system was implemented following lessons learned from the previous year’s Typhoon Koinu, which left hundreds stranded for hours.
To support airport staff, rest areas with a capacity of 1,000 people have been established, and transportation services have been arranged to shuttle employees between various locations as needed. The Airport Express continues to run, with plans to extend operating hours to accommodate the influx of delayed travelers. However, most bus services to the airport remain suspended, with only two routes offering limited service.
Impact on the Travel Industry
The travel industry across Hong Kong and Hainan is facing a significant blow due to Typhoon Yagi’s approach. For airlines, the operational challenges of managing large-scale cancellations and delays are compounded by the logistical hurdles of ensuring passenger and staff safety. As the Hong Kong Observatory raised the No. 8 signal, airlines are scrambling to adjust schedules, reschedule flights, and accommodate stranded passengers.
For airports, maintaining operational efficiency in the midst of such severe weather is crucial, particularly when balancing the need for passenger safety with the demands of airlines and the broader travel ecosystem. The introduction of rest areas, enhanced transportation options, and better crowd management systems highlight how Hong Kong International Airport is proactively responding to the storm.
In addition to flight cancellations, the ripple effect is being felt throughout the hospitality sector. Hotels near airports and in popular tourist areas are likely to see an increase in bookings as passengers seek accommodations during extended delays. Travel insurance providers will also play a critical role in assisting passengers facing disruptions, with claims likely to rise due to weather-related cancellations and schedule changes.
Recommendations for Passengers
Travelers in the region are strongly advised to monitor updates from their airlines and airport authorities to avoid unnecessary trips to the airport. In many cases, airlines are encouraging passengers to take advantage of online tools for flight rebooking and refunds, as airport queues are expected to grow.
For hospitality professionals, the ongoing situation serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the ability to adapt quickly to fast-changing conditions. With Super Typhoon Yagi continuing to impact the region, airlines, airports, and associated service providers must work in close coordination to ensure minimal disruption to passengers while maintaining safety as the top priority.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
