Typhoon Bebinca has caused major disruptions to international flights departing from Shanghai. On Monday, several flights to Paris, Frankfurt, and Sydney were delayed or canceled due to the strong winds and heavy rains brought by the typhoon. Passengers were left stranded at airports, waiting for updates on when flights might resume.
Typhoon Bebinca hit the coast of China earlier in the day, bringing heavy rainfall and winds as strong as 150 kilometers per hour. Shanghai, being one of China’s busiest cities, faced severe weather conditions that disrupted daily life, including air travel. Flights were especially affected, as the storm made it unsafe for planes to take off and land.
Flights Affected at Pudong International Airport
Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport is one of the busiest hubs in Asia, connecting travelers to cities around the world. Due to Typhoon Bebinca, operations were severely affected. Many international flights, including those heading to major destinations like Paris, Frankfurt, and Sydney, were either delayed or canceled.
According to the Shanghai Airport Authority, all flights scheduled to leave for Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Frankfurt Airport, and Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport on Monday were impacted. Passengers were notified of delays ranging from a few hours to complete cancellations. Many airlines were forced to make last-minute decisions based on the weather conditions, leading to confusion for travelers.
Airlines and Passenger Reactions
Airlines such as Air France, Lufthansa, and Qantas, which operate flights between Shanghai and these destinations, scrambled to manage the situation. Air France reported that all its flights from Shanghai to Paris were delayed due to the severe weather. The airline advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and offered free rebooking for those affected by the delays.
Lufthansa, which flies regularly between Shanghai and Frankfurt, also faced similar challenges. Several flights were either delayed or grounded for safety reasons. Lufthansa’s spokesperson said, “We understand the frustration of our passengers, but safety is our top priority. We are doing everything we can to minimize inconvenience.”
Qantas, the Australian airline that flies from Shanghai to Sydney, also faced significant delays. Some passengers were offered hotel accommodation, while others had to wait at the airport for hours as the storm continued to affect the region.
Many passengers expressed frustration and disappointment over the lack of clear communication. “We were waiting for hours with no updates,” said one passenger bound for Paris. “It’s understandable that the weather is bad, but there should be better information for travelers.”
Another passenger, who was supposed to fly to Sydney, shared a similar experience: “I’ve been waiting at the airport since morning. My flight has been delayed twice already, and now I’m not sure when we’ll be able to leave. The airline staff is doing their best, but the situation is very confusing.”
Weather Forecast and Further Disruptions
The Chinese Meteorological Administration issued a red alert, the highest level of warning, for the areas affected by Typhoon Bebinca, including Shanghai. The storm brought heavy rain and powerful winds to the region, causing widespread flooding in some areas and making transportation difficult.
The forecast indicated that Typhoon Bebinca would weaken as it moved inland, but heavy rains were expected to continue throughout the day. Weather experts advised that air travel might remain disrupted for at least another 24 to 48 hours as the storm gradually loses strength.
Local authorities also warned residents to avoid non-essential travel and to stay indoors as much as possible. High winds caused damage to buildings and infrastructure in coastal areas, and there were reports of power outages in some parts of Shanghai.
Safety Measures and Airport Operations
Due to the severe weather, Shanghai Pudong International Airport implemented strict safety measures. Runways were temporarily closed, and ground staff worked to ensure that planes were secured against the strong winds. Airport officials said that they were working closely with airlines to monitor the weather and make decisions about flight operations.
Passengers were advised to stay updated through airline websites and mobile apps. Many airlines sent notifications to passengers about flight changes, but the high volume of travelers made it difficult for staff to provide real-time updates to everyone.
The airport also deployed additional staff to assist passengers with rebooking and accommodation arrangements. Travelers who were stuck at the airport for long periods were provided with food, water, and temporary resting areas. However, the sheer number of affected passengers made it challenging for airport staff to manage the situation efficiently.
Impact on Future Flights
With Typhoon Bebinca continuing to affect the region, experts warned that flight disruptions might extend beyond Monday. Passengers with flights scheduled for the next few days were encouraged to keep an eye on weather updates and check with their airlines before heading to the airport.
The typhoon not only impacted international flights but also caused delays and cancellations for domestic flights across China. Cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen experienced similar disruptions, though Shanghai was among the hardest hit.
As the typhoon gradually moves inland and weakens, authorities expect flight operations to return to normal by midweek. However, airline officials have warned that it might take several days for the backlog of flights to clear, leading to ongoing delays and rescheduling.
