At least 18 flights operated by Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, have been disrupted as Typhoon Bavi tracks toward East Asia. According to official airline statements, cancellations and rescheduling affect routes connecting Singapore to Tokyo, Sapporo, Seoul, and Taipei, with carriers citing the safety of passengers and crew as the primary factor for the adjustments.
Why are flights being cancelled across East Asia?
Airlines are adjusting schedules to avoid the path of Typhoon Bavi, a storm system spanning approximately 1,000km at its widest point. According to China’s National Meteorological Centre, the storm is forecast to skirt northern Taiwan before making landfall in China’s Fujian province. Because of the storm’s massive diameter—roughly the width of France—it has forced proactive changes to flight paths that rely on transit through regional hubs like Taipei.
Typhoon Bavi’s size is significantly larger than many typical tropical cyclones, with a diameter estimated at 1,000km, which complicates flight paths across multiple international air corridors simultaneously.
How are Singapore Airlines and Scoot managing the disruptions?
SIA and Scoot have implemented different operational responses based on their specific route requirements. SIA reported on July 9 that four flights between Singapore and Taipei scheduled for July 11 are cancelled. Additionally, two flights on July 10 were rescheduled: the SQ878 service from Singapore to Taipei will depart 45 minutes earlier at 11am, and the SQ879 return leg will depart 15 minutes earlier at 5.30pm.
Scoot confirmed on July 8 that 12 of its flights operating between Singapore, Tokyo, Sapporo, and Seoul have been cancelled. A notable operational detail provided by the airline is that these specific routes to and from Seoul and Tokyo (Narita) include a stopover in Taipei, making the entire route sensitive to weather conditions in the Taiwan area.
What should affected passengers do next?
Both airlines have directed passengers to check their official flight status pages for real-time updates as the situation remains fluid. According to statements from both carriers, affected customers will be offered options to change their bookings or request a full refund. For those who booked through travel agents or partner airlines, the carriers advise contacting those third parties directly to process changes.
If your flight was booked via a third-party site or travel agency, the airline may not be able to process a refund or rebooking directly. Always reach out to the point of purchase first to avoid unnecessary delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are all flights to Taipei cancelled? No, only specific flights identified by Singapore Airlines for July 11 are cancelled, while others have been rescheduled.
- Will I get a refund if my flight is cancelled? Yes, both SIA and Scoot have stated they will offer full refunds or rebooking options to affected passengers.
- Where can I find the most recent updates on my flight? Both airlines recommend visiting their official websites’ flight status pages for the latest information.
- Why are flights to Tokyo and Seoul affected by a storm near Taiwan? The affected Scoot flights utilize Taipei as a stopover, meaning weather disruptions in that region impact the entire journey.
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