More than 400 flights canceled in Taiwan as typhoon Bavi approaches

More than 400 flights have been canceled in Taiwan as airlines suspend operations ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Bavi, which is expected to bring destructive winds and heavy rainfall to the island.

Taiwan's Civil Aeronautics Administration said airlines had canceled 154 domestic flights and 261 international and cross-strait services as of Friday morning, July 10, adding that flight schedules could continue to change depending on the storm's path and intensity, Taiwan News reports.

Taoyuan International Airport said China Airlines and EVA Air suspended all arrivals and departures between 6:00 p.m. on July 10 and 4:00 a.m. on July 11. Starlux Airlines and Tigerair Taiwan also canceled all scheduled flights for July 11.

China Airlines canceled or delayed several services on July 10 and said it would suspend all flights linking Taipei Songshan and Taichung airports on July 11. EVA Air also canceled all flights to and from Songshan Airport through the end of July 11 and suspended operations at Kaohsiung Airport from the afternoon of July 10.

Several domestic carriers, including Mandarin Airlines and UNI Air, also canceled flights from Songshan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. International airlines, including Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Thai Vietjet Air, and Etihad Airways, also adjusted their schedules.

Authorities have warned that Typhoon Bavi could become one of the strongest storms to affect Taiwan in recent years, with maximum winds approaching 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph).

Forecasters said mountainous areas in northern Taiwan near Taipei could receive up to one meter of rainfall, raising the risk of flooding and landslides.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said around 29,000 troops have been placed on standby to assist with emergency response efforts as the island prepares for what could be its most powerful typhoon since Typhoon Kong-rey in 2024.

By Sabina Mammadli