October 23, 2026 — Typhoon Champi shut down most of Taiwan on Friday. All domestic flights were cancelled and hundreds of international flights were scrapped, with schools and offices closed in nearly every city and county.
What’s new since yesterday
- Flights: Taiwan’s transport ministry said all 262 domestic flights scheduled for Friday were cancelled, along with more than 350 international services, The Nation reported early Friday. A later Reuters count cited by MiGFlug put international cancellations at 717, for 979 in total.
- Closures: Work and classes were cancelled in 20 of Taiwan’s 22 cities and counties, including Taipei, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung. Financial markets were closed.
- Ground transport: The high-speed rail line ran normally, according to Reuters. Taipei’s metro and other public transport ran with reduced service.
- The storm: The Central Weather Administration reported gusts of about 191 km/h near the centre as Champi weakened. Its track passes just off northeastern Taiwan, with no direct landfall forecast, but effects were expected to last almost two days. Closest approach was expected Friday night or early Saturday, at the start of a three-day long weekend.
Around the region
| Place | Impact |
|---|---|
| Japan (Okinawa) | Japan Airlines and ANA cancelled more than 110 flights Thursday to Saturday, mostly domestic. The storm is forecast to pass over Yonaguni. |
| Hong Kong | HK Express cancelled 10 Hong Kong–Taiwan flights Friday; Taiwanese airlines cut some Hong Kong–Taipei and Hong Kong–Kaohsiung flights Friday and Saturday. |
| Eastern China | Level-four flood emergency response for Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Fujian, with heavy rain expected through Sunday. |
| Thailand | Thai Airways cancelled all six Friday flights between Bangkok and Taipei/Kaohsiung. |
What it means for airline travelers
- Don’t head to Taoyuan or Kaohsiung on spec. Airlines will rebuild schedules once winds ease, but no restart time has been published (TBA). Check your flight status before you leave for the airport.
- Expect a backlog. Nearly 1,000 cancelled flights on one day, plus a long weekend, means full flights through the weekend. Standby travelers should expect to wait or switch to a confirmed ticket.
- Use the train. High-speed rail kept running on Friday and can replace domestic flights along the west coast.
- Okinawa and southern Japan are next. If you are routing via Naha or southern Japan this weekend, check for cancellations there too.
- Stay away from beaches, rivers and mountain areas, as Taiwan’s Premier urged, and check that your travel insurance covers weather delays.
Sources
- The Nation (Thailand) — Taiwan cancels over 600 flights as Typhoon Champi nears on October 23 (October 23, 2026)
- MiGFlug — Typhoon Champi Grounds Taiwan: Nearly 1,000 Flights Cancelled (October 23, 2026)
- Travel Monitor — Daily Watch List: what is affecting travel today (October 23, 2026)
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