Typhoon Champi is disrupting air travel across East Asia, with hundreds of flight cancellations reported in Taiwan and Japan as the powerful storm approaches the region. Airlines are warning passengers about possible delays, cancellations and schedule changes, particularly on routes connecting Taiwan, Japan and parts of eastern China.
As of October 22, 2026, Taiwan has cancelled 125 flights, mostly domestic services, while Japanese airlines have cancelled more than 100 domestic flights scheduled between Thursday and Sunday. International services may also be affected as airlines respond to changing weather conditions.
Taiwan Cancels 125 Flights as Typhoon Approaches
Taiwan issued a land warning as Typhoon Champi approached, with authorities warning of powerful winds, heavy rainfall and dangerous coastal conditions. The storm's broad circulation means its effects can extend well beyond its centre.
According to Reuters, Taiwan's transport authorities reported 125 flight cancellations on October 22, mainly affecting domestic services. The storm was also expected to affect the island over an extended period, increasing the risk of further schedule changes.
Passengers travelling within Taiwan should check their flight status before leaving for the airport. Even when an airport remains operational, individual flights can be cancelled or rescheduled because of weather conditions at the departure airport, destination or along the route.
Japan Faces More Than 100 Flight Cancellations
The impact is also being felt in Japan. Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Skymark have cancelled more than 100 flights, mostly domestic services, scheduled between October 22 and October 25. The cancellations have affected more than 11,000 passengers, according to Reuters.
Japan's southwestern islands, including Okinawa Prefecture, are among the areas that could experience adverse weather as Champi moves northward. Airlines may adjust their schedules depending on the storm's track and the conditions at individual airports.
Travellers with domestic connections in Japan should allow additional flexibility and check whether their onward flights remain confirmed. A cancellation on one sector can affect the rest of a multi-flight itinerary.
KLM and Delta Issue Travel Warnings
KLM has warned that some flights to, from or via Taipei, Taiwan, and Shanghai, China, may be disrupted between October 22 and October 24 because of Typhoon Champi.
The airline has published rebooking and refund options for eligible passengers whose tickets were issued on or before October 21. The applicable conditions depend on the booking and the type of disruption, so passengers should consult KLM's official travel-alert page.
Delta Air Lines has also issued a travel waiver covering Taipei and Shanghai for travel from October 22 through October 24. Eligible passengers may be able to change their travel dates under the airline's published conditions.
These advisories do not mean that every flight to these destinations has been cancelled. Passengers should check the status of their individual flights and wait for confirmation from their airline.
China Airlines Adjusts Taiwan–Okinawa Services
The disruption has also affected flights between Taiwan and Okinawa. China Airlines announced cancellations affecting several services scheduled for October 22, including flights connecting Taoyuan, Taichung and Kaohsiung with Okinawa. Some other services were brought forward.
Tigerair Taiwan also cancelled several flights linking Taiwan with Okinawa. Other carriers, including EVA Air and STARLUX Airlines, advised passengers to monitor their flight status because further changes could become necessary.
Passengers flying between Taiwan and Japan should pay particular attention to airline notifications, as departure times may change even when a flight is not cancelled outright.
What Should Travellers Do Before Going to the Airport?
- Check your flight status: Use your airline's official website or mobile application before leaving for the airport.
- Check messages from the airline: Schedule changes and rebooking instructions may be sent by email or text message.
- Review connecting flights: If one part of your journey changes, confirm that your onward connections remain valid.
- Understand your options: Eligible passengers may be offered rebooking, a refund or other assistance under the airline's policy and applicable passenger-rights rules.
- Avoid unnecessary airport trips: If your flight has been cancelled or rescheduled, follow the airline's instructions before travelling to the terminal.
Travellers should rely on confirmed flight information rather than assume that all flights to a particular country are affected. The impact varies by airline, route, airport and departure time.
Official Airline Alerts and Sources
- KLM – Travel alerts and disruption information
- Delta Air Lines – Typhoon Champi travel waiver
- China Airlines – Official travel advisories
- Reuters – Typhoon Champi and flight cancellations
- Focus Taiwan – Airlines cancel and reschedule flights
Updated October 22, 2026. Flight cancellations and travel waivers can change quickly as weather conditions develop. Confirm the latest information directly with your airline before departure.
