Nineteen flights departing from Singapore on 15 and 16 September have been disrupted due to Typhoon Bebinca, according to Changi Airport Group (CAG). Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines and the Changi Airport Group flight status page for the latest updates. The typhoon, which made landfall in Shanghai on the morning of 16 September, is the strongest tropical cyclone to hit the city in over 70 years.
Background
Typhoon Bebinca has caused significant disruptions to air travel, particularly affecting flights between Singapore and China. Singapore Airlines (SIA) has reported that eight of its flights to and from Shanghai Pudong International Airport were either cancelled or re-timed on 15 September 2024. The Changi Airport website also shows several flights between Singapore and Shanghai, as well as Singapore and Hangzhou, being affected by the typhoon.
Affected flights
According to the SIA advisory, three of the eight affected SIA flights were cancelled, while the remaining five were re-timed. Other airlines, including Scoot, China Eastern Airlines, Air China, Spring Airlines, Juneyao Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines, have also seen cancellations or retimings of their flights between Singapore and Shanghai, as well as Singapore and Hangzhou, on 15 and 16 September.
Passenger advisory
CAG has urged passengers to stay updated by checking with their respective airlines and the Changi Airport Group flight status page. “Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines as well as the Changi Airport Group flight status page for the latest updates,” CAG stated.
Historical context
Typhoon Bebinca’s impact on Shanghai is notable as it is the strongest tropical cyclone to hit the city in over 70 years. This has led to widespread disruptions not only in air travel but also in other sectors. The last time Shanghai experienced a typhoon of this magnitude was several decades ago, making this event particularly significant.
Future implications
The disruptions caused by Typhoon Bebinca highlight the vulnerability of air travel to extreme weather events. Airlines and airport authorities may need to reassess their contingency plans to better handle such situations in the future. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed about potential weather-related disruptions, especially during typhoon season.
