Typhoon Kong-rey Disrupts Air Travel

SINGAPORE: Typhoon Kong-rey, a powerful storm wreaking havoc across Taiwan, has led to the cancellation of numerous flights operated by Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its budget airline subsidiary, Scoot, on Thursday, October 31. This extreme weather event is being recognized as one of the most significant typhoons to strike Taiwan in decades.

Flight Disruptions and Cancellations

One notable incident involved Singapore Airlines Flight SQ878, which, instead of landing in its intended destination of Taipei, was diverted to Hong Kong due to severe weather conditions. The flight was carrying 317 passengers and 14 crew members and made a smooth landing at Hong Kong International Airport around 5:10 PM local time.

In response to the disruptions, SIA has committed to supporting affected customers by providing meals and meal vouchers while they await further travel arrangements. SQ878 later resumed its journey, departing Hong Kong for Singapore at 6:56 PM local time. Additionally, hotel accommodations will be arranged for customers in Singapore who were impacted by the cancellations.

Another flight, SQ879, which was set to travel from Taipei to Singapore on Thursday evening, was also cancelled due to the ongoing typhoon. The airline urged passengers to keep their contact information updated through the 'manage booking' function on its website, enabling timely notifications about any flight status changes.

Scoot's Response

As for Scoot, the low-cost airline has also felt the impact, cancelling three flights transiting through Taipei to and from Japan—specifically TR893, TR874, and TR875. Scoot management is proactively reaching out to affected customers to facilitate re-accommodations or offer full refunds for those choosing to cancel their trips entirely.

Typhoon's Impact and Safety Warnings

Typhoon Kong-rey made landfall on Taiwan's eastern coast, leading to the cancellation of over 300 international flights alongside all domestic operations. The typhoon is expected to move along the coast of China's Fujian province on Friday, posing further risk and prompting ongoing vigilance.

Tragically, reports indicate that one person has died in Taiwan due to the severe conditions caused by the typhoon. As this storm continues to unfold, authorities are closely monitoring its progression and updating information as necessary.

Travelers planning to fly in or out of the region are strongly advised to keep an eye on the latest updates and exercise caution.

Stay Informed