Super Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm to hit Asia in 2024, has brought widespread travel disruptions, grounding flights and stranding passengers across the region. As the typhoon made landfall in China’s Hainan province, airlines were forced to cancel hundreds of flights, leading to chaos at airports.
Haikou Meilan International Airport saw 52 flights canceled and five delayed as the storm hit, while Sanya Phoenix International Airport followed suit with 28 cancellations and three delays. Hainan Airlines, a major operator in the area, bore the brunt of these cancellations.
Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport experienced a staggering 2024 flight cancellations and 54 delays, the cause of which remains unclear. Shenzhen Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Air China were among the airlines affected, contributing to the significant number of cancellations. The mystery surrounding the level of disruption at Shenzhen Bao’an International adds to the confusion for passengers.
Hong Kong International Airport, one of Asia’s busiest hubs, was hit with 50 flight cancellations on Thursday as the typhoon approached. Operations began to stabilize on Friday, but intense rainbands from Yagi continued to bring squally showers, further delaying flights. China Southern Airlines and Air China were among the affected airlines.
Macau also faced significant disruptions, including the temporary closure of the main bridge linking Hong Kong to Macau and Zhuhai in Guangdong, adding to the regional travel turmoil.
As Yagi barrels toward Vietnam, four major airports, including Hanoi’s Noi Bai International, are preparing for closure on Saturday. Airlines are preemptively canceling flights in the storm’s path, and passengers are advised to stay updated as conditions worsen.
With thousands of flights canceled or delayed across the region, passengers are facing long waits and limited options. Hainan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Air China have all issued cancellations, further complicating travel for stranded passengers. Many travelers are stuck waiting in airport terminals, relying on temporary shelters, while airlines struggle to provide rebooking options and refunds amid the massive demand.
Super Typhoon Yagi’s continued movement across the South China Sea has left airports and airlines on high alert. Travelers are advised to stay informed, check flight statuses frequently, and expect further delays or cancellations. With the storm causing chaos across Hainan, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, and Shenzhen, it’s crucial to stay updated to avoid further disruptions. The storm’s powerful winds and heavy rains have already caused 2024 cancellations at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and disrupted the operations of major airlines including Hainan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Air China. With recovery efforts underway, the region is bracing for continued challenges as Yagi makes its way through Asia.
