Published on
November 9, 2025
Travel havoc has hit the Philippines as Typhoon Uwan causes major disruptions, leading to 32 flight cancellations and 43 delays from top airlines like PAL Express, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Philippines AirAsia. The severe weather conditions have left thousands of passengers stranded in airports across Manila, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Mactan-Cebu, and beyond, as airlines struggle to adjust their schedules and prioritize passenger safety amid the storm’s growing impact.
The Philippine aviation and tourism sectors are facing one of their most challenging crises in recent history as Typhoon Uwan (Fung-Wong) continues to wreak havoc across the region. With 32 flights canceled and 43 delayed, travelers from across the globe are being left stranded in major airports, including Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, and Mactan-Cebu. The chaos has left thousands of passengers searching for alternative routes, accommodations, and ways to continue their journeys as storm-related disruptions continue to cripple air travel.
Aviation Crisis Grips the Philippines
As Typhoon Uwan intensified, local authorities issued severe weather warnings, and airlines, including PAL Express, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Philippines AirAsia, were forced to cancel and delay a significant number of flights. These disruptions have not only affected passengers in the Philippines but have also had a ripple effect on international travel, especially in key travel hubs like Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Macau.
Flight cancellations and delays were exacerbated by the storm’s strength, with PAGASA issuing Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) and advising airlines to ground flights for safety. The combined effect of inclement weather and logistical challenges led to over 75 flights being impacted across major routes operated by the Philippines’ top airlines.
The Disruption Breakdown
PAL Express, a regional carrier under Philippine Airlines, reported 16 canceled flights (7%) and 16 delayed flights (7%). Popular domestic routes like Manila to Tacloban, Bicol, Cotabato, and Calbayog were significantly impacted, causing both leisure and business travelers to adjust their plans last minute.
Philippine Airlines (PAL), the flag carrier of the country, was also heavily affected. With 10 canceled flights (8%) and 9 delayed flights (7%), both domestic and international routes suffered major setbacks. Flights from Manila to General Santos, Cebu, Iloilo, and Hong Kong were particularly disrupted, leaving travelers searching for new ways to reach their destinations.
Cebu Pacific, one of the Philippines’ largest low-cost carriers, canceled 4 flights (1%) and delayed 13 flights (3%). The airline, known for its affordable options, serves a variety of international routes, including to Macau, Taiwan, and Singapore. The typhoon’s unpredictable path has forced Cebu Pacific to adjust its schedule, further contributing to the strain on the country’s airports.
Philippines AirAsia also experienced delays, with 2 canceled flights (1%) and 5 delays (4%). Its operations between Manila and Macau and Hong Kong were severely affected, and while the airline has worked to accommodate stranded passengers, the high volume of cancellations and rerouted flights has left many still waiting for new arrangements.
Stranded Passengers in Major Airports
The travel meltdown has left passengers stranded across multiple key international airports, including Manila International Airport (MNL), Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), Hong Kong International Airport, Singapore Changi Airport, and Macau International Airport. With hundreds of flights canceled or delayed, passengers have been forced to wait for hours, even days, for updates on new flight schedules.
At Manila International Airport, long lines have formed as travelers rush to rebook flights or request assistance. For many, the delays have caused them to miss connecting flights or important events. Meanwhile, Mactan-Cebu International Airport has been equally overwhelmed, with travelers on domestic routes facing the brunt of the disruption. Many visitors heading to popular tourist destinations in Cebu, Palawan, and Boracay have been left stranded, unable to continue their journeys as planned.
International passengers in Singapore and Hong Kong are also feeling the strain. These busy transit hubs have become chokepoints for travelers hoping to make their way to the Philippines or connecting flights to other regions. As airlines continue to adjust their schedules, limited seat availability and the backlog of passengers have made it nearly impossible for many to get new flights.
Macau International Airport, an important gateway to the region’s vibrant casino and tourism sectors, has also been significantly impacted. With airlines struggling to accommodate the large number of affected passengers, many are now facing an uncertain travel timeline.
Impact on Tourism and Business Travel
The ongoing travel chaos has had a significant impact on the Philippines’ tourism sector, which relies heavily on air travel to bring in international visitors. Popular tourist destinations like Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan have seen cancellations and delays during peak seasons, leading to frustration among travelers who had planned their vacations around these sites.
For business travelers, the disruption has been even more critical. Delays and cancellations have forced many to reschedule crucial meetings, conferences, and events. With the Philippines being a key hub for international business in Asia, this disruption has had a ripple effect on corporate travel as well, with companies scrambling to make adjustments to their employees’ itineraries.
What Passengers Can Do
For those affected by the ongoing crisis, here are a few tips to minimize the impact of the disruptions:
- Stay Informed: Keep checking your airline’s website or app for real-time flight updates. Airlines are providing regular updates regarding cancellations, delays, and rebooking options.
- Reach Out to Your Airline: If your flight has been canceled or delayed, contact your airline’s customer service immediately. They may be able to help you reroute or provide other accommodation options.
- Explore Alternative Routes: If direct flights to your destination are unavailable, airlines may offer alternative routes or rebook you on partner airlines. Be flexible with your travel dates and routes.
- Consider Travel Insurance: For those traveling to the Philippines in the near future, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended. It can help cover cancellations, delays, and unexpected changes in travel plans.
- Patience and Flexibility: Given the scale of the disruption, flexibility with your travel plans is essential. Understand that airlines and airports are working hard to resolve the issue, and it may take time to restore full flight schedules.
Looking Forward: Recovery and Resilience
As Typhoon Uwan continues to move across the Philippines, the aviation sector is beginning the slow process of recovery. Airlines are slowly resuming operations as weather conditions improve, but the backlog of passengers is expected to take several days to clear. It is important to note that the full recovery of flight schedules may take time, and travelers should expect potential delays.
In the long term, the Philippines will need to enhance its disaster preparedness strategies to cope with the frequency of extreme weather events that can disrupt travel. Upgrades to infrastructure, more robust communication systems, and enhanced contingency planning will be crucial in mitigating future travel crises.
The recent travel disruptions caused by Typhoon Uwan have underscored the vulnerabilities in the Philippines’ air travel and tourism systems. With 32 flights canceled and 43 delayed, the immediate effects are being felt across Manila, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, and Mactan-Cebu. For passengers, the ongoing delays and cancellations represent significant travel setbacks, especially during peak travel seasons.
Travel havoc has hit the Philippines as Typhoon Uwan causes 32 flight cancellations and 43 delays from major airlines, stranding passengers across Manila, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, and Mactan-Cebu due to severe weather disruptions.
Despite the current chaos, the Philippine aviation industry is committed to restoring normal operations as soon as possible. For now, travelers are urged to stay informed, flexible, and patient as airlines and airports work to resume normal service. While the road to recovery will be challenging, the Philippines is resilient and will continue to be a key destination for both tourism and business travel once the disruptions subside.
