Typhoon Champi has forced more than 200 flight cancellations across Taiwan and Japan, also disrupting travel to Okinawa and surrounding islands, Hong Kong and China as authorities warn of destructive winds, heavy rain and dangerous seas.
Taiwan issued a land warning on Wednesday, 22 October 2026 as the powerful typhoon approached with airlines cancelling services and ferry operators suspending sailings across parts of the region.
Once classified as a super typhoon and among the strongest Pacific storms in 2026, Typhoon Champi weakened slightly on Thursday, 23 October but continued to generate wind gusts exceeding 227km/h near its centre, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA).
The storm was approximately 520km southeast of Taiwan’s southern tip during Thursday’s earlier weather briefing. Its wind radius had expanded to 320km, large enough to cover most of Taiwan, with forecasters warning that the impacts could last almost two days.
Coastal communities received mobile alerts warning of waves exceeding six metres, while mountainous areas in northern Taiwan, including areas near Taipei, could receive almost a metre of rainfall.
Typhoon Champi was forecast to pass close to northeastern Taiwan before moving north towards waters off China’s coast and eventually southern Japan with Japan’s westernmost inhabited island, Yonaguni, among the areas in its path.
How is Typhoon Champi affecting flights across Taiwan and Japan?
Taiwan’s transport ministry reported 125 flight cancellations on 22 October 2026, predominantly on domestic routes. The rail network remained unaffected at the time, while the interior ministry reported no resident evacuations.
International services have also been disrupted with China Airlines and Tigerair Taiwan cancelling several flights between Taiwan and Okinawa.
Singapore Airlines confirmed the cancellation of four Singapore–Taipei services for 23 October: SQ876, SQ877, SQ878 and SQ879. The airline says affected customers will be contacted directly and may request alternative flights or a refund of the unused portion of their ticket. Customers who booked through travel agents or partner airlines are advised to contact their original booking provider for assistance.
Hong Kong carriers have cancelled or rescheduled more than 12 flights to and from Taiwan and Japan due to Typhoon Champi with further disruption expected.
HK Express has cancelled 10 flights between Hong Kong and Taiwan on 23 October and postponed four other flights to 24 October and Hong Kong Airlines cancelled two flights between the city and Okinawa on 22 October as Taiwanese carriers also cancelled flights between Hong Kong and Taipei or Kaohsiung airports. It follows Super Typhoon Ragasa‘s impacts last year.
In Japan, Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Skymark have cancelled more than 100 flights between 22 and 25 October, mostly domestic services, affecting more than 11,000 passengers.
JAL has identified widespread disruption across Okinawa and the surrounding islands with cancellations affecting flights to and from Tokunoshima, Okinoerabu, Yoron, Naha, Kumejima, Miyako, Tarama, Ishigaki and Yonaguni airports on various dates between 22 and 24 October.
For 24 October, JAL specifically lists Kumejima, Miyako, Tarama, Ishigaki and Yonaguni among airports affected by confirmed flight cancellations.
ANA has also advised of significant disruption, including the cancellation of all its flights to and from Miyako and Ishigaki on 23 October.
Travellers connecting through Taiwan or Okinawa should be prepared for further schedule changes as airlines continue to monitor the storm’s path.
Which ferry services and island destinations are affected?
Typhoon Champi is also causing widespread marine transport disruption across Okinawa’s outlying islands, particularly around Ishigaki.
Major passenger ferry operator Anei Kanko suspended all routes on 22 and 23 October with further cancellations considered highly likely on 24 October. High-speed boat services to Hateruma were suspended from 21 October, alongside services operating on the Uehara and Hatoma routes.
The operator had not confirmed when regular services would resume with further disruption possible on 25 October.
The cancellations are particularly significant for travellers planning island-hopping holidays, where ferries provide essential connections between smaller destinations.
Ishigaki authorities have urged visitors to remain in safe accommodation during the typhoon, while warning that some shops may close temporarily and power supplies could be disrupted. Travellers should also avoid beaches and marine activities while hazardous conditions persist.
What should travel advisors tell clients about Typhoon Champi?
With flight and ferry schedules changing as Typhoon Champi progresses, travel advisors should proactively contact clients travelling to or through Taiwan, Okinawa and Japan’s southwestern islands over the coming days.
Passengers should check their airline’s official flight-status page before departing for the airport and ensure their contact details are up to date so they can receive schedule notifications. Where services have been cancelled, travellers should check their airline’s rebooking and refund conditions before making alternative arrangements.
Advisors should also review connecting flights, accommodation arrangements and ferry bookings, particularly for travellers heading to remote islands where alternative transport options may be limited.
Singapore Airlines has confirmed alternative flight and refund options for affected customers, while ANA and JAL are providing disruption information and guidance through their official websites.
As weather conditions remain changeable, travellers are encouraged to follow official meteorological warnings and local authority advice rather than relying solely on their original itineraries.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Typhoon Champi highlights how quickly regional weather disruptions can ripple through complex itineraries across multiple countries. For travel advisors, proactive communication, flexible rebooking and close monitoring of connecting services are essential to keeping clients informed and supported.
