Published on
August 15, 2025
Severe weather, encompassing intense storms and prolonged periods of heavy rainfall, has precipitated extensive operational disturbances for Cathay Pacific, culminating in the cancellation of 8 services and the postponement of 91 additional departures. Such meteorological phenomena have targeted principal airports located in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, China, and Thailand; in all affected locales, the carrier has suspended and rescheduled operations to safeguard the wellbeing of its passengers and crew. In light of the prevailing risks, the airline has implemented a suite of precautionary protocols, thereby generating a pronounced degree of travel disruption throughout its entire regional itinerary.
In a series of widespread disruptions, Cathay Pacific (CPA) has announced the cancellation of eight flights and the delay of 91 others across its network, significantly affecting travel in and out of major airports in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, China, and Thailand. The cancellations and delays come amid severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and strong winds, which have impacted the airline’s operations throughout the region.
These weather disruptions have not only led to cancellations but have also created delays for passengers traveling through Hong Kong International (HKG), Taiwan Taoyuan International (TPE), Kuala Lumpur International (KUL), Nanjing Lukou International (NKG), Xiamen Gaoqi International (XMN), and Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International (BKK).
Cancellations Across Key Routes
The most significant impact has been felt on long-haul flights, with eight Cathay Pacific flights canceled today due to adverse weather. The canceled flights are:
- CPA979: Xiamen Gaoqi International (XMN) to Hong Kong International (HKG) – Departure scheduled for Thursday at 8:45 PM CST.
- CPA494: Hong Kong International (HKG) to Taiwan Taoyuan International (TPE) – Scheduled for Friday at 10:20 AM HKT.
- CPA356: Hong Kong International (HKG) to Nanjing Lukou International (NKG) – Departure at 10:35 AM HKT on Friday.
- CPA725: Hong Kong International (HKG) to Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) – Scheduled for Friday at 12:50 PM HKT.
- CPA495: Taiwan Taoyuan International (TPE) to Hong Kong International (HKG) – Friday at 1:30 PM CST.
- CPA420: Hong Kong International (HKG) to Taiwan Taoyuan International (TPE) – Friday at 1:35 PM HKT.
- CPA357: Nanjing Lukou International (NKG) to Hong Kong International (HKG) – Departure at 2:25 PM CST on Friday.
- CPA421: Taiwan Taoyuan International (TPE) to Hong Kong International (HKG) – Scheduled for 4:40 PM CST on Friday.
These cancellations have caused widespread confusion, particularly among passengers traveling between Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, and China. The cancellations are particularly noticeable for those on international flights, as travelers have been left without alternatives for some routes.
Delays Add to Passenger Frustration
In addition to the cancellations, Cathay Pacific is also reporting delays on 91 flights, affecting approximately 22% of their scheduled services. This has led to significant congestion at major airports as passengers wait for updated departure information.
The delays span a wide range of domestic and international routes, with many flights experiencing extended waiting times due to adverse weather conditions. These delays have been most pronounced on flights traveling from Hong Kong to other major hubs in Asia, such as Suvarnabhumi Bangkok (BKK), Nanjing Lukou (NKG), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), and Xiamen Gaoqi (XMN). As the delays stretch over several hours, passengers are advised to check for real-time updates through Cathay Pacific’s official app or website.
Some of the most notable delayed flights include:
- CPA724: Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) to Hong Kong International (HKG) – Scheduled for Friday at 5:50 PM +08.
- CPA978: Hong Kong International (HKG) to Xiamen Gaoqi International (XMN) – Departure at 5:55 PM HKT on Friday.
- CPA979: Xiamen Gaoqi International (XMN) to Hong Kong International (HKG) – Scheduled for Friday at 8:45 PM CST.
- CPA617: Hong Kong International (HKG) to Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International (BKK) – Departure scheduled for 10:00 PM HKT on Friday.
- CPA700: Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International (BKK) to Hong Kong International (HKG) – Saturday at 8:15 AM +07.
- CPA755: Hong Kong International (HKG) to Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International (BKK) – Scheduled for Saturday at 9:35 AM HKT.
These delays have been a major inconvenience for passengers, who now face extended waiting times at some of the busiest airports in Asia. The ongoing situation has prompted Cathay Pacific to remind travelers to stay updated through the airline’s customer service channels.
| Flight Ident | Aircraft Type | Origin | Destination | Scheduled Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPA979 | A333 | Xiamen Gaoqi Int’l (XMN) | Hong Kong Int’l (HKG) | Thu 08:45 PM CST |
| CPA494 | A333 | Hong Kong Int’l (HKG) | Taiwan Taoyuan Int’l (TPE) | Fri 10:20 AM HKT |
| CPA356 | A333 | Hong Kong Int’l (HKG) | Nanjing Lukou Int’l (NKG) | Fri 10:35 AM HKT |
| CPA725 | A333 | Hong Kong Int’l (HKG) | Kuala Lumpur Int’l (KUL) | Fri 12:50 PM HKT |
| CPA495 | A333 | Taiwan Taoyuan Int’l (TPE) | Hong Kong Int’l (HKG) | Fri 01:30 PM CST |
| CPA420 | A21N | Hong Kong Int’l (HKG) | Taiwan Taoyuan Int’l (TPE) | Fri 01:35 PM HKT |
| CPA357 | A333 | Nanjing Lukou Int’l (NKG) | Hong Kong Int’l (HKG) | Fri 02:25 PM CST |
| CPA421 | A21N | Taiwan Taoyuan Int’l (TPE) | Hong Kong Int’l (HKG) | Fri 04:40 PM CST |
| CPA724 | A333 | Kuala Lumpur Int’l (KUL) | Hong Kong Int’l (HKG) | Fri 05:50 PM +08 |
| CPA978 | A333 | Hong Kong Int’l (HKG) | Xiamen Gaoqi Int’l (XMN) | Fri 05:55 PM HKT |
| CPA979 | A333 | Xiamen Gaoqi Int’l (XMN) | Hong Kong Int’l (HKG) | Fri 08:45 PM CST |
| CPA617 | A333 | Hong Kong Int’l (HKG) | Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Int’l (BKK) | Fri 10:00 PM HKT |
| CPA700 | A333 | Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Int’l (BKK) | Hong Kong Int’l (HKG) | Sat 08:15 AM +07 |
| CPA755 | A333 | Hong Kong Int’l (HKG) | Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Int’l (BKK) | Sat 09:35 AM HKT |
Affected Airports and Passenger Advice
The airports most impacted by these disruptions are all key international hubs.
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), the primary hub for Cathay Pacific, has seen an uptick in delays and cancellations, affecting thousands of travelers. With nearly half of the flights impacted, airport staff have been working to assist affected passengers.
- Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) has seen several Cathay Pacific flights delayed, and passengers are advised to check for rebooking options or possible rerouting through other carriers if needed.
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), a critical link for flights between Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, has reported delays on several Cathay Pacific flights.
- Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport (BKK) has been a key point of delay for Cathay Pacific’s regional flights, particularly those flying to and from Hong Kong.
Travelers are advised to check in advance for updated departure times and keep in close contact with their airline for any necessary rebooking or alternative travel arrangements. It is also recommended that passengers allow additional time for airport procedures, as delays and congestion are expected to continue in the coming hours.
The Impact of Weather
The cause of the disruptions is primarily attributed to heavy weather conditions across the region. Strong winds and intense rainfall have forced Cathay Pacific to prioritize safety measures, including flight cancellations and delays. The airline has stated that its main priority is the safety of passengers and crew, and that cancellations are necessary to comply with strict safety protocols.
Weather disruptions like these are not uncommon in the region, especially during the rainy season. However, the scale of the impact today has been particularly severe, with flights grounded across several critical routes.
As the weather system moves through the region, it is expected that more cancellations and delays may occur, especially for flights scheduled later in the day and over the weekend. Cathay Pacific continues to monitor the situation closely and advises passengers to remain flexible with their travel plans.
What to Expect Going Forward
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing weather conditions potentially leading to further disruptions. Cathay Pacific has recommended that passengers who have been affected by the cancellations and delays reach out to the airline’s customer service teams for updates on rebooking and potential compensation for affected travel.
Passengers flying on routes affected by the weather should expect further delays in the coming hours, particularly those traveling to or from major Asian hubs. With 22% of flights delayed and 8 canceled, it is clear that today’s disruptions will have a lasting impact on travel plans, especially for those flying to international destinations.
Ongoing severe weather—characterized by prolonged rainfall and gusty winds—has compelled Cathay Pacific to cancel 8 flights and delay 91 others, precipitating broad disruptions across principal airports in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, China, and Thailand. The airline implemented these changes to safeguard passenger well-being in the face of hazardous conditions.
The resultant upheaval has markedly affected itineraries for numerous travelers. While eight flights were definitively scrapped and 91 others postponed as of the latest bulletins, the forecast remains unsett, and further adjustments may be necessary. Customers are advised to exercise patience, monitor digital and automated communication channels, and be prepared for continued variations as the weather pattern persists.
While Cathay Pacific regrets the resultant inconvenience, the airline urges all affected travelers to confer regularly with customer service platforms to ascertain the latest flight developments and explore rebooking avenues. The preservation of passenger safety, even amid complex operational hurdles, remains the airline’s overriding priority.
Source:
