A powerful typhoon is causing travel chaos across Asia, forcing airlines to cancel hundreds of flights and leaving holidaymakers stranded as the storm system batters the continent.
Typhoon Ragasa, developing into what meteorologists are calling a 'super typhoon', has prompted major carriers including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and multiple Asian airlines to ground flights to affected regions. The storm is currently impacting popular tourist destinations from Japan to the Philippines.
Which Destinations Are Affected?
Travel disruption is widespread across Southeast and East Asia. Key areas experiencing significant flight cancellations include:
- Japan: Tokyo (Narita and Haneda airports) and Osaka
- The Philippines: Manila and Cebu
- China: Shanghai and Hong Kong
- Taiwan: Taipei
- South Korea: Seoul
Airline officials have confirmed that both inbound and outbound services are being affected, with disruption expected to continue for several days as the storm progresses.
Passenger Advice and Compensation
Passengers scheduled to travel to affected regions are being urged to contact their airlines directly before heading to airports. Most carriers are offering flexible rebooking options or full refunds for cancelled services.
"Safety remains our absolute priority," stated a Virgin Atlantic spokesperson. "We're closely monitoring Typhoon Ragasa's path and will update passengers as the situation develops."
Travel insurance providers have reminded policyholders that cancellation coverage typically applies when flights are officially cancelled due to severe weather conditions.
Weather Experts Issue Severe Warnings
Meteorological services across the region have classified Ragasa as a potentially devastating storm system, with wind speeds exceeding 150 miles per hour in some areas. Coastal regions are particularly at risk, with authorities issuing evacuation orders in vulnerable zones.
The typhoon comes during peak holiday season for many Western travellers visiting Asia, amplifying the disruption for thousands of tourists.
Weather forecasters predict the storm will continue to intensify before gradually weakening as it moves across mainland China later this week.
