Severe Travel Disarray at Haikou Meilan Airport Amid Typhoon Matmo with 215 Cancelled Flights by Hainan, China Southern, Sichuan, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines to Routes like Shenzhen, Wuhan, Singapore and Auckland

Severe travel disarray has struck Haikou Meilan Airport as Typhoon Matmo rages on, causing widespread flight disruptions. A staggering 215 cancelled flights have already been reported, with major carriers like Hainan, China Southern, Sichuan, Cathay Pacific, and Hong Kong Airlines grounding services to destinations such as Shenzhen, Wuhan, Singapore, and Auckland. This has left passengers stranded, with many facing a scramble for alternative travel options. The typhoon‘s powerful winds and rains have caused the airport to suspend operations, intensifying the already chaotic situation.

As flights to several key cities and international routes are cancelled, affected travelers are urged to check with their airlines for rebooking and updates. The airport remains a focal point of confusion, and passengers should stay informed and prepared for further delays as the storm progresses.

Haikou Meilan International Airport, located in Haikou, Hainan Province, China, is experiencing significant disruptions today as Typhoon Matmo approaches. As a result of the extreme weather conditions, flights have been either cancelled or delayed. Below is a summary of the cancellations, delays, and the impact on passengers.

Cancellations and Delays at Haikou Meilan International

Today, 215 flights have been cancelled, and 28 flights have experienced delays at Haikou Meilan International Airport due to Typhoon Matmo. This represents a major disruption to air travel in southern China, affecting passengers traveling through the region.

According to the data, several major airlines operating at the airport have reported significant cancellations and delays:

• Hainan Airlines: 38 cancellations (23%) and 9 delays (5%)
• China Southern Airlines: 28 cancellations (30%) and 5 delays (5%)
• Beijing Capital Airlines: 22 cancellations (64%) and 3 delays (8%)
• GX Airlines: 17 cancellations (77%) and 1 delay (4%)
• Air China: 13 cancellations (81%) with no delays
• Tianjin Airlines: 12 cancellations (70%) and 1 delay (5%)
• China Eastern Airlines: 10 cancellations (76%) and 2 delays (15%)
• Sichuan Airlines: 10 cancellations (83%) with no delays
• 9 Air: 9 cancellations (69%) and 2 delays (15%)
• Lucky Air: 8 cancellations (100%) with no delays

Other airlines like Donghai Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, and Hebei Airlines also reported various levels of cancellations and delays, as the storm continues to affect flight schedules.

Airports, Cities, and Countries Affected

Typhoon Matmo’s impact is not limited to Haikou. Several other cities and airports across Hainan, Guangdong, and Guangxi provinces have also been affected by the storm. Here are some of the cities and airports impacted:

• Haikou Meilan International Airport in Haikou, Hainan: All inbound and outbound flights have been cancelled.
• Guangdong Province: Major disruptions, including port evacuations and vessel relocations.
• Guangxi Province: Severe delays and cancellations for flights headed to and from coastal cities.
• Wanning and Dianbai in Guangdong: These areas are directly in the path of Typhoon Matmo and are experiencing severe weather conditions.

What Affected Passengers Can Do

If you are an affected passenger, here are some steps to take:

1. Stay in Contact with Your Airline:
   With numerous cancellations and delays, it’s essential to regularly check for flight updates from your airline. Many airlines are offering rebooking options for affected passengers.
2. Look for Alternative Travel Methods:
   Consider train or bus travel to nearby destinations if flights remain unavailable. However, ferry services across the Qiongzhou Strait have also been suspended as part of the typhoon’s impact.
3. Seek Temporary Accommodation:
   If you are stranded at the airport or unable to travel, look for hotels nearby or consult the airport for temporary shelters. In Haikou, temporary shelters have been set up to house stranded passengers.
4. Follow Safety Guidelines:
   Typhoon Matmo brings the risk of flooding and strong winds. Passengers should monitor weather updates and follow the safety advice provided by local authorities. Avoid non-essential travel if possible.
5. Check for Refunds or Compensation:
   In case of cancellation, many airlines may offer compensation, including hotel vouchers or meal allowances. Be sure to ask about your options when rebooking or when contacting the airline for assistance.

Conclusion

Typhoon Matmo has led to widespread disruptions at Haikou Meilan International Airport, with 215 cancellations and 28 delays reported today. Passengers should stay updated with their airline, consider alternative travel options, and ensure they are following safety protocols. As the storm makes landfall, it’s crucial to remain patient and follow the instructions from local authorities to ensure a safe and smooth journey.

Source: FlightAware