Flights Cancelled around Asia as Japan, India, Hong Kong, UAE, Saudi Arabia Cancel 586 and Delay 2,448 Flights at Okinawa, Tokyo, Mumbai, Dubai, Sharjah and Others Impacting Japan Transocean, ANA Wings, IndiGo, Saudia, Korean and Other Airlines

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Flights have been cancelled around Asia as Japan, India, Hong Kong, UAE, and Saudi Arabia face major travel disruptions on 31st May. Authorities report 586 flights cancelled and 2,448 flights delayed at key airports including Okinawa, Tokyo, Mumbai, Dubai, Sharjah, and several others. Airlines such as Japan Transocean, ANA Wings, IndiGo, Saudia, Korean, and other carriers are significantly affected. The disruptions are largely caused by Severe Tropical Storm Jangmi, which is producing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and high waves along Japan’s Pacific coast. As a result, airport operations in Okinawa and Tokyo have been suspended temporarily, and connecting flights to India, Hong Kong, UAE, and Saudi Arabia are delayed or cancelled. Passengers at major hubs including Mumbai, Dubai, and Sharjah are advised to check airline websites and follow updates. Airlines including Japan Transocean, ANA Wings, IndiGo, Saudia, and Korean are actively monitoring the situation to prioritise passenger safety while managing these widespread cancellations and delays.

Asia Faces Widespread Flight Disruptions as Severe Tropical Storm Jangmi Strikes Southern Japan

Severe tropical storm Jangmi is wreaking havoc across southern Japan, triggering major flight cancellations and delays throughout Asia. Airports in Japan, China, India, and neighboring countries have reported a total of 586 flight cancellations and 2,448 delays, leaving thousands of travelers stranded and travel plans disrupted. The storm, moving northward over waters south of Okinawa, is producing wind gusts of up to 180 km/h, heavy rainfall, high waves, storm surges, and flooding along the Pacific coast. Airline operators continue to cancel flights and advise passengers to monitor schedules closely.

Japan: Okinawa and Regional Airports Bear the Brunt

Japan is the hardest-hit country due to the direct impact of tropical storm Jangmi. Naha Airport (OKA) alone reported 216 cancellations and 76 delays, making it the single most affected airport in Asia. Tokyo Haneda (HND) registered 62 cancellations and 129 delays, while other regional airports such as Ishigaki (ISG), Miyako (MMY), and Fukuoka (FUK) contributed significantly to the disruption.

The storm is expected to move across Okinawa and Amami islands, then approach western to eastern Japan by Wednesday. Authorities warn of heavy rainfall exceeding 200–300 millimeters, strong winds, overflowing rivers, landslides, and flooding in low-lying areas. Fishers are securing boats, and residents are stocking up on essential supplies.

Airlines most affected in Japan include Japan Transocean Air Co. (54 cancellations, 10 delays), ANA Wings (46 cancellations, 29 delays), All Nippon (44 cancellations, 98 delays), Japan Airlines (28 cancellations, 92 delays), Skymark (29 cancellations, 25 delays), and Japan Air Commuter (29 cancellations, 17 delays).

China: Major International Hubs Impacted

China’s largest airports are also facing substantial delays due to regional weather impacts and operational ripple effects from Japan. Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) recorded 14 cancellations and an astonishing 666 delays, while Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX) reported 7 cancellations and 227 delays. Shanghai Pudong (PVG) saw 12 cancellations and 176 delays, and Beijing Daxing (PKX) and Beijing Capital (PEK) faced 87 and 49 delays respectively.

Chinese airlines experiencing significant disruption include China Eastern (29 cancellations, 263 delays), China Express Airlines (32 cancellations, 41 delays), Air China (7 cancellations, 134 delays), Shenzhen Airlines (4 cancellations, 140 delays), and Juneyao Airlines (9 cancellations, 63 delays).

Other smaller airports such as Chengdu Tianfu (TFU), Changsha Huanghua (CSX), Nanjing Lukou (NKG), and Hohhot Baita (HET) also reported delays ranging from 15 to 98 flights, affecting domestic and regional connections.

India: International and Domestic Routes Severely Affected

In India, Indira Gandhi International (DEL) reported 8 cancellations and 365 delays, while Mumbai (BOM) had 7 cancellations and 139 delays, and Bengaluru (BLR) experienced 2 cancellations and 72 delays. The disruptions have affected both domestic travelers and international flights connecting Asia with Europe, the Middle East, and other regions.

Indian carriers impacted include IndiGo (8 cancellations, 303 delays) and SpiceJet (11 cancellations, 59 delays). Passengers are advised to check airline websites for schedule updates, especially for international travel connecting through Japan and China.

Other Asian and Middle Eastern Airports

Airports in Indonesia, the UAE, and Hong Kong are also affected. Jakarta-Soekarno-Hatta (CGK) reported 7 cancellations and 77 delays, while Hong Kong International (HKG) had 7 cancellations and 126 delays. Dubai (DXB) recorded 2 cancellations and 75 delays, and Sharjah (SHJ) 3 cancellations and 12 delays.

Affected carriers include Batik Air, Air Arabia, FlyDubai, Hong Kong Airlines, and Hong Kong Express Airways, with delays ranging from 17 to 49 flights.

What Passengers Can Do Now

Travelers impacted by these disruptions are urged to:

• Monitor airline websites frequently for real-time updates.
• Rebook flights if possible, or contact customer service for alternatives.
• Arrive early at airports, especially in high-risk regions such as Okinawa and Amami.
• Plan for potential overnight stays, as storm conditions may extend disruptions.
• Follow local safety advisories, particularly regarding flooding, landslides, and storm surges.

Authorities stress that passenger safety is a priority, and more cancellations or delays may occur as the storm progresses through Japan and affects other regional flights.

Conclusion

Severe tropical storm Jangmi has caused unprecedented travel disruption across Asia, combining extreme weather and operational constraints to halt flights at major airports in Japan, China, India, and neighboring countries. With 586 cancellations and 2,448 delays, travelers must exercise caution and maintain flexibility in travel plans. The combined effects of strong winds, high waves, flooding, and landslides have forced airlines to prioritise safety, and disruptions are expected to continue as the storm moves northward.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports