Cathay Pacific Joins Singapore, Finnair, JAL, Qantas, Vietjet, HK Express, and More Airlines in Adjusting Travel Schedules in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Across Japan as Tropical Storm Jangmi Sparks Massive Travel Chaos

Written By: Srishty Mishra

Srishty Mishra

A passionate storyteller and emerging journalist, I am currently pursuing my Master’s in English at DU while diving deep into the world of journalism. With two years of practical experience, I have cultivated a knack for transforming ideas into engaging narratives that captivate readers. My journey blends academic insight with real-world reporting, allowing me to explore culture, travel, and lifestyle through a creative and informed lens. Committed to delivering fresh, authentic, and impactful content, I strive to make every story not just read, but truly experienced.

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June 3, 2026 10:52 GMT+5:30

Image generated with Ai

Cathay Pacific joins Singapore Airlines, Finnair, JAL, Qantas, Vietjet, HK Express, and other major carriers in adjusting travel schedules across Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Japan as Tropical Storm Jangmi sweeps the nation, forcing hundreds of flight cancellations and rescheduling measures to protect passengers and crews from destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding risks. The storm has disrupted domestic and international air travel, halted key rail lines, and triggered emergency advisories across multiple prefectures, leaving tens of thousands of travelers stranded and prompting airlines to implement flexible rebooking policies while cities brace for ongoing severe weather impacts.

Japan is facing one of the most significant travel disruptions in recent years as Tropical Storm Jangmi barrels across the archipelago. Airlines from around the world, including Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Finnair, Japan Airlines (JAL), Qantas, Vietjet, and HK Express, have been forced to adjust flight schedules, cancel services, and issue travel waivers to thousands of stranded passengers. The storm’s approach has affected major hubs such as Tokyo Haneda, Narita, Kyoto, Osaka Kansai, Nagoya Chubu, and Okinawa, leaving tens of thousands of travelers stranded and scrambling for alternatives.

Meteorologists warn that Jangmi, a tropical storm with sustained winds of up to 25 meters per second and torrential rain, poses serious risks of flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage. The storm’s path crosses densely populated areas, exacerbating its impact on airports, rail services, and road networks. Travelers from countries across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania are directly affected as airlines scramble to manage operations amid unprecedented chaos.

Tropical Storm Jangmi: A Meteorological Threat to Japan

Jangmi, also referred to as Typhoon No. 6, has approached Japan from the southwest, moving in an east-northeasterly direction at around 40 kilometers per hour. The storm initially passed near Shima in Mie Prefecture and has now intensified its presence in central and eastern Japan, particularly around Tokyo Bay.

Meteorological authorities report wind gusts exceeding 90 kilometers per hour, heavy rainfall across multiple prefectures, and a high likelihood of flooding along rivers in Tokyo, Kyoto, and surrounding areas. Emergency advisories urge residents in low-lying and flood-prone regions to evacuate early and avoid non-essential travel.

The storm’s influence extends to Okinawa, Kagoshima, Osaka, Nagoya, and Shikoku, triggering airport suspensions and temporary railway halts. Cities that typically see millions of international visitors, such as Tokyo and Kyoto, are now grappling with severe disruptions in tourism, business travel, and domestic transportation.

Global Airlines Adjust Flight Schedules Amid Japan Travel Chaos

International airlines have reacted swiftly to Jangmi’s approach, issuing flight cancellations, rescheduling notices, and flexible travel policies. Key airlines affected include:

• Cathay Pacific – Issued flexible ticketing policies for passengers traveling to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, allowing rebooking without penalty.
• Singapore Airlines – Retimed multiple flights to Japan to avoid peak storm hours but has not issued mass cancellations.
• Finnair – Adjusted schedules for flights to Tokyo and Osaka as precautionary measures.
• Japan Airlines (JAL) – Canceled hundreds of flights, both domestic and international, particularly affecting Tokyo Haneda, Narita, and Kansai airports.
• All Nippon Airways (ANA) – Canceled over 287 flights, with significant disruptions to domestic networks and international services.
• Qantas and Codeshare Partners – Issued travel waivers covering affected Japan routes without formal flight cancellations.
• Vietjet Air – Canceled flights between Hanoi and Tokyo (Narita).
• HK Express – Cancelled multiple flights between Hong Kong and Okinawa.

Airlines from Asia, Europe, and Oceania have aligned schedules to avoid peak storm impact, reflecting a coordinated global response to one of Japan’s most severe early-season storms.

Airlines and Flight Disruptions Table

Tokyo: The Epicenter of Travel Disruption

Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, is experiencing the brunt of Jangmi’s impact. Airports Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT) have seen hundreds of flight cancellations, affecting passengers from countries including the United States, China, South Korea, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Singapore.

Heavy rainfall has raised river levels dangerously, prompting flood warnings and temporary evacuation advisories in neighborhoods near the Sumida, Arakawa, and Tama rivers. Train services across the JR East network have been suspended or delayed, including the Tokaido Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, and Chuo Line, further complicating travel for both commuters and tourists.

Kyoto and Osaka: Cultural Hubs Under Storm Pressure

The historic cities of Kyoto and Osaka, known for their tourism and cultural heritage, are seeing significant travel interruptions:

• Kyoto: Flood warnings issued along the Kamo River, and tourist attractions such as Kiyomizu-dera have temporarily closed to ensure visitor safety.
• Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX): Multiple carriers, including Singapore Airlines and JAL, have cancelled or retimed flights. Domestic travel within Kansai and Shikoku regions is also heavily delayed due to railway suspensions.

Travelers from countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia are particularly affected due to popular regional connections.

Okinawa and Southern Japan: Early Impact Zones

Okinawa and southern prefectures such as Kagoshima and Mie experienced high winds and flooding as Jangmi made landfall earlier in the storm’s trajectory. Airlines affected here include:

• ANA, JAL, HK Express, and Peach Aviation, with multiple cancellations and reroutings.
• Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet: Some flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City were suspended.

Residents and visitors in these regions faced power outages affecting over 60,000 households, fallen trees, and temporary road closures.

Passenger Advisory: Safety First

Authorities urge all travelers to monitor flight updates, adhere to evacuation notices, and avoid travel in flood-prone areas. Airlines have issued waivers allowing rebooking and refunds for impacted passengers. Governments of countries sending travelers to Japan, including the United States, Australia, Germany, Singapore, and Malaysia, are advising caution and registering citizens for updates.

Travelers should:

1. Check airline flight status before heading to the airport.
2. Use official apps and websites for real-time railway and metro updates.
3. Avoid low-lying areas and follow local disaster management instructions.
4. Confirm insurance coverage for storm-related cancellations or delays.

International Scope: Countries Affected by Flight Disruptions

The storm’s influence extends globally through disrupted flight networks:

• United States – Passengers on JAL, ANA, and codeshare carriers impacted on New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago connections.
• Australia – Qantas and codeshare flights to Tokyo and Osaka affected; travelers offered waivers.
• Germany & UK – Finnair and Lufthansa passengers experience delays due to connecting flights in Tokyo/Narita.
• Singapore & Malaysia – Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific adjust schedules; over 10,000 regional travelers impacted.
• China & Hong Kong – Cathay Pacific, HK Express, and China Eastern passengers face flight adjustments.
• Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia – Vietjet, Vietnam Airlines, and regional carriers canceled or rescheduled flights to Tokyo, Osaka, and Okinawa.

This illustrates the international reach of Japan’s air travel disruption, with tens of thousands of passengers from Asia, Europe, Oceania, and North America affected.

Rail, Roads, and Airport Logistics: Secondary Chaos

Beyond airlines, Japan’s transport network is heavily disrupted:

• Shinkansen bullet trains face delays; some express routes suspended temporarily.
• Local and regional trains (JR, Kintetsu, and Hankyu lines) have limited operations.
• Highways in Kansai, Kanto, and Shikoku regions experience flooding and closures, slowing bus and road travel.
• Airports manage passenger reroutes, temporary shelters, and extended check-in hours to handle stranded travelers.

This compounded impact has created a massive travel logjam, reinforcing the scale of disruption caused by Jangmi.

Economic and Tourism Implications

• Cancellation of hundreds of flights impacts tourism revenue in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okinawa.
• Businesses reliant on international travelers, including hotels, tour operators, and restaurants, face losses.
• International conferences, cultural festivals, and business meetings are rescheduled, affecting both domestic and foreign participants.

Airline operational adjustments and rerouted traffic could cost millions in revenue and require complex logistical coordination across multiple countries and carriers.

Tropical Storm Jangmi has created an unprecedented scenario in Japan’s air travel, affecting cities from Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka to Okinawa. Airlines including Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Finnair, JAL, ANA, Qantas, Vietjet, HK Express, and partner carriers have taken measures ranging from flight cancellations, retiming, and flexible rebooking policies.

The storm’s impact extends beyond airlines, disrupting rail, road, and urban transportation networks, while flood and landslide risks continue to threaten residents and travelers. Countries affected include the United States, Australia, Germany, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, and Indonesia, demonstrating the storm’s global reach through travel networks.

Cathay Pacific joins Singapore, Finnair, JAL, Qantas, Vietjet, HK Express, and more airlines in adjusting travel schedules across Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Japan as Tropical Storm Jangmi forces widespread flight cancellations and disruptions due to heavy winds, torrential rain, and flooding risks.

Passengers are urged to stay informed, follow safety advisories, and leverage airline waivers or flexible ticket options. With ongoing storm monitoring, further changes to travel schedules are possible, and preparedness remains key for minimizing risk during this massive natural disruption.