I-HWA CHENG / AFP
Typhoon Champi has disrupted air travel across Taiwan, forcing the cancellation of more than 600 flights on Friday, 23 October, as authorities prepare for strong winds and torrential rain. All 262 domestic flights and more than 350 international services were cancelled, according to Taiwan’s transport ministry. Schools and offices were also closed across most of the island, while financial markets suspended trading.
The storm, which previously reached super-typhoon strength with winds approaching 300 km/h, has weakened but remains dangerous. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration placed its centre approximately 330 kilometres east of the island’s southern tip on Friday, with gusts of around 191 km/h reported near the storm’s centre. Champi is expected to pass off northeastern Taiwan before turning towards the Chinese coast and eventually southern Japan, although its large circulation continues to affect a broad area.
The disruption extends beyond Taiwan. Airlines have cancelled or rescheduled services linking Taiwan with Japan, while carriers including HK Express have suspended flights between Hong Kong and Taiwanese destinations. Japan has also experienced flight cancellations and power outages as the storm approaches its southwestern islands. Authorities in Taiwan reported at least one death and dozens of injuries as of Friday, with evacuations carried out in areas at risk from flooding and landslides. Airlines are advising passengers to check their flight status before travelling.