Taiwan Shuts Down Ahead of Typhoon Champi as More Than 600 Flights Are Cancelled
By Shahzaib Saqib — SCN NEWS
TAIPEI, — Taiwan ordered widespread closures of schools, government offices and financial markets on Friday as Typhoon Champi approached the island, with more than 600 domestic and international flights cancelled and authorities warning that powerful winds and heavy rainfall could disrupt daily life despite forecasts showing the storm would avoid a direct landfall.
Taiwan's transport ministry said all 262 domestic flights scheduled for Friday had been cancelled, along with more than 350 international services. The shutdowns affected most of the island, while the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands near the Chinese coast were expected to maintain normal school and office operations.
Champi, previously classified as a super typhoon and among the strongest Pacific storms this year, had weakened as it approached Taiwan. However, the Central Weather Administration said the system was still producing wind gusts of approximately 191 kilometres per hour near its centre, strong enough to pose a significant threat to coastal communities and maritime traffic.
The storm was located about 330 kilometres east of Taiwan's southern tip, according to the weather agency. Forecasts showed it moving past the island's northeastern coast before turning north toward waters off China and eventually heading toward southern Japan.
Although forecasters did not expect the storm's centre to cross Taiwan, its extensive circulation remained a major concern. The Central Weather Administration estimated the storm's radius at approximately 320 kilometres, large enough for its effects to reach much of the island.
Weather experts warned that the typhoon's influence could persist for nearly two days, bringing periods of intense rainfall, strong winds and dangerous sea conditions. The prolonged threat prompted authorities to implement preventive measures rather than wait for the storm's closest approach.
In Taipei, squally showers were already affecting the capital, although public transport, including the metro system, continued operating with some reductions in service. The decision to close offices and schools was intended to reduce unnecessary travel during the period of greatest weather risk.
Financial markets were also closed for Friday, reflecting the scale of the precautions taken by authorities. Taiwan's stock exchange is an important financial centre in Asia, and the suspension added to the disruption caused by the widespread flight cancellations.
The aviation impact extended beyond domestic travel. Airlines serving Taiwan cancelled international flights as the storm approached, affecting connections with major Asian transport hubs and forcing passengers to change travel plans.
Singapore Airlines confirmed the cancellation of four services between Singapore and Taipei scheduled for October 23. The carrier said affected passengers would be contacted about alternative arrangements and could seek rebooking or refunds under the airline's procedures.
Thai Airways also announced the cancellation of six services connecting Bangkok with Taipei and Kaohsiung on Friday. The airline advised passengers to monitor flight information and contact its service centres for assistance.
The disruptions highlighted how a powerful tropical cyclone can affect international transport even when its projected track does not include a direct landfall. Airlines must account for dangerous winds, airport operating conditions and the ability to position aircraft and crews safely.
Taiwan had already begun taking precautions on Thursday, when authorities issued a land warning and cancelled 125 flights, mostly domestic services. The weather agency reported that Champi was then producing gusts exceeding 227 kilometres per hour near its centre.
Coastal communities received mobile phone alerts warning of waves higher than six metres. Forecasters also warned that northern mountainous areas could receive rainfall approaching one metre over the course of the storm's passage.
Such rainfall can increase the risk of flash flooding and landslides, particularly in steep terrain where saturated slopes may become unstable. Officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary journeys to mountainous and coastal areas.
President Lai Ching-te called on the public to prepare in advance and follow official safety guidance. His warning emphasized the importance of taking precautions before severe weather reaches populated areas.
The authorities' approach reflects Taiwan's extensive experience with tropical cyclones, which regularly affect the island during the warmer months. Although typhoons are more common in summer, powerful storms can also develop and threaten the region during autumn.
Taiwan's disaster response systems include weather alerts, local government closure decisions and coordination between transport operators and emergency services. These measures are designed to reduce exposure to hazardous conditions, even when a storm's exact track remains uncertain.
Champi's effects are also being felt in Japan, where airlines have cancelled more than 100 flights between Thursday and Sunday, according to Reuters. The disruptions affected more than 11,000 passengers as the storm threatened the southwestern islands.
The typhoon was forecast to pass near Yonaguni, Japan's westernmost inhabited island, in Okinawa Prefecture, before continuing toward other parts of southern Japan. Authorities and transport operators were monitoring changes in the forecast as the storm moved north.
The approaching cyclone has also affected military operations. A major U.S.-Japan exercise known as Keen Sword, involving approximately 56,000 Japanese and American personnel and participants from other countries, has required adjustments to training activities.
U.S. military officials said exercises were being reviewed daily to protect participating personnel. The changes illustrate the wider regional impact of severe weather on operations beyond commercial transportation.
For residents and businesses in Taiwan, the immediate concern remains the combination of heavy rain, damaging winds and coastal hazards. The storm's weakening intensity does not eliminate the possibility of dangerous conditions, particularly in areas exposed to its outer rainbands.
Officials have not announced a confirmed nationwide casualty toll associated with the latest approach, and the available reports do not establish widespread structural damage. Assessments of any impact will depend on conditions as the storm passes and on subsequent reports from emergency authorities.
Travellers have been advised to check directly with airlines for updated schedules, as cancellations and restoration of services may change with the weather. Airport operations are expected to depend on local wind conditions and the progress of the storm.
With much of Taiwan closed as a precaution, authorities are concentrating on limiting risks to residents while monitoring Champi's movement toward the northeastern coast.
The storm is expected to continue northward after passing Taiwan, keeping Japan and other parts of the western Pacific on alert for further transport disruption and severe weather.