Typhoon Wipha struck Hong Kong and southern China on July 20, 2025, causing major flight disruptions at Hong Kong International Airport and affecting hundreds of thousands of travelers. The storm forced the city to raise its highest typhoon warning, the T10 signal, for the first time in nearly two years, leading to widespread cancellations, delays, and chaos across the region’s transport networks.
Immediate Impact: Flights Cancelled and Travelers Stranded
On Sunday, July 20, Typhoon Wipha’s powerful winds and heavy rain battered Hong Kong and nearby cities. The Hong Kong Observatory, the city’s official weather authority, issued the T10 signal early in the day, warning residents and visitors to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. As the storm intensified, Hong Kong International Airport suspended most operations, resulting in the cancellation of over 500 flights. This sudden halt affected about 100,000 passengers, many of whom found themselves stranded at the airport or unable to reach their destinations.
The effects of Typhoon Wipha were not limited to Hong Kong. Airports in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Macao also suspended daytime flights, creating a ripple effect of flight disruptions throughout southern China. Public transport systems—including the MTR (subway), ferries, and buses—were temporarily shut down, making it even harder for travelers to get to or from the airport.
Steven Yiu, Executive Director for Airport Operations at the Airport Authority Hong Kong, explained, “We are confident that stranded travellers affected by the typhoon will basically be handled by tomorrow [July 22].” His statement reflected the airport’s commitment to clearing the backlog as quickly as possible, but also acknowledged the scale of the challenge.
Airport Response: Emergency Protocols and Support for Passengers
As the storm raged, the Airport Authority Hong Kong activated its emergency center and deployed extra staff to help stranded travelers. All 27 departure security gates at Hong Kong International Airport were kept open overnight to speed up the rebooking and boarding process once flights resumed. Cathay Pacific and other airlines began operating limited outbound flights as soon as the storm warning was downgraded, but the backlog remained significant.
By Monday, July 21, the airport aimed to handle 1,076 flights—almost double the usual daily volume—in an effort to clear the backlog. Authorities stated that most travelers would be accommodated by July 22, though those booked on less frequent routes might face longer waits. Chris Au Young, General Manager of Terminal and Passenger Experience at the Airport Authority, confirmed, “Over 500 flight cancellations have occurred, and our plan is to clear the backlog within two to three days.”
Wider Effects: Flooding, Damage, and Community Response
Typhoon Wipha’s impact extended beyond flight disruptions. Across Hong Kong, heavy rain and strong winds caused flooding, toppled trees, and damaged infrastructure. The city’s emergency services received over 425 reports of fallen trees, and at least 33 people sought medical attention for storm-related injuries. In Guangdong province, nearly 280,000 people were relocated as a precaution, highlighting the seriousness of the storm’s threat.
Local authorities and emergency crews worked around the clock to clear debris, drain flooded roads, and restore essential services. Flood-prone neighborhoods like Heng Fa Chuen and Wong Tai Sin experienced significant water buildup, but improved drainage systems and quick emergency response helped prevent more severe damage.
How Travelers Can Respond: Step-by-Step Guidance
For those caught up in the chaos at Hong Kong International Airport or other affected airports, several practical steps can help manage the situation:
- Check your flight status regularly using your airline’s website or the official Hong Kong International Airport portal. Flight schedules may change quickly as airlines work to clear the backlog.
- Contact your airline for rebooking, refunds, or alternative travel arrangements. Airlines have set up special hotlines and help desks at the airport to assist affected passengers.
- Monitor official advisories from the Hong Kong Observatory and Airport Authority for the latest updates on weather and transport conditions.
- Seek consular assistance if you are a foreign national needing help. For example, UAE citizens can call 0097180024 or 0097180044444 for emergency support and are encouraged to register with the Twajudi service for timely alerts.
- Use airport emergency shelters or ask airport staff for help if you are stranded. Extra staff are on-site to provide support, food, and information.
Airlines’ Flexible Policies and Support
To help travelers affected by Typhoon Wipha, airlines like Hong Kong Airlines and Cathay Pacific offered flexible rebooking and refund options. Passengers with confirmed bookings between July 20 and 21 could change their flights without extra fees or request refunds. Priority was given to those whose flights were cancelled or who had urgent travel needs, such as medical emergencies or connecting international flights.
Hong Kong Airlines issued updated advisories through its website and airport counters, encouraging passengers to check for the latest information before heading to the airport. The airline also provided support for those needing overnight accommodation or other assistance due to the disruptions.
Public Transport and City Services Resume
After the typhoon signals were lifted at 5:10 am on Monday, July 21, public transportation services—including the MTR, ferries, and buses—gradually returned to normal. By Sunday night, most routes were operating as usual, helping travelers reach the airport or return home. However, some delays and crowding continued as the city worked to recover from the storm’s effects.
Official Statements and Community Perspectives
Throughout the crisis, the Hong Kong Observatory played a key role in providing real-time updates on storm signals and weather conditions. Their coordination with transport and emergency services helped ensure a swift response to changing conditions.
Aviation experts praised the rapid resumption of airport operations and the deployment of extra staff, noting that these measures helped minimize the length of the disruption. “Given the peak summer travel season, the airport’s quick action prevented even greater chaos,” one industry analyst observed.
Travel industry analysts, however, warned that the backlog might take several days to fully resolve, especially for travelers on less frequent routes. They urged passengers to remain flexible and patient, as airlines worked through the high volume of rebookings.
Local authorities emphasized the importance of emergency preparedness and the effectiveness of Hong Kong’s typhoon response protocols. Their efforts, combined with improved infrastructure and community cooperation, helped prevent more severe casualties and damage.
Background: Typhoon Wipha in Context
Typhoon Wipha is the most severe storm to hit Hong Kong since Super Typhoon Saola in September 2023, when the city last raised the T10 signal. The Pearl River Delta region, which includes Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Macao, is especially vulnerable to tropical cyclones during the summer months. Each year, typhoons disrupt travel, damage property, and test the resilience of local communities.
Flood-prone areas like Heng Fa Chuen and Wong Tai Sin have long been at risk during heavy storms. However, recent investments in drainage and emergency response have helped reduce the impact of flooding and speed up recovery efforts.
Policy Changes and Emergency Protocols
In response to Typhoon Wipha, emergency protocols were activated at all major airports in the region. This included:
Typhoon Wipha struck Hong Kong
Airport aimed to handle 1,076 flights
Most stranded travelers expected to be accommodated
Typhoon signals lifted
Airlines offered flexible rebooking and refund options
- Deploying extra staff to assist travelers and manage crowds
- Opening all security gates at Hong Kong International Airport to speed up processing
- Setting up emergency shelters for displaced travelers
- Issuing public safety advisories through consulates and government agencies
The UAE Consulate in Hong Kong, for example, issued a safety advisory for Emirati citizens, urging them to follow local guidelines and providing emergency contact numbers. Registration with the Twajudi service was recommended for timely alerts and support.
Airlines also adjusted their policies to offer greater flexibility, allowing passengers to rebook or refund tickets without penalty. These measures aimed to reduce stress for travelers and help them make alternative plans as quickly as possible.
Long-Term Implications and Lessons Learned
The experience of Typhoon Wipha highlights the ongoing need for strong emergency planning and flexible travel policies in regions prone to severe weather. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the rapid deployment of extra staff and the opening of all security gates at Hong Kong International Airport played a key role in minimizing the disruption for travelers. However, the event also exposed the challenges of managing such a large volume of cancellations and rebookings, especially during peak travel periods.
Authorities are now reviewing their response protocols to identify areas for improvement. This includes exploring new ways to communicate with travelers, streamline rebooking processes, and provide better support for those stranded during emergencies.
Advice for Future Travelers: Staying Safe During Typhoon Season
Travelers planning to visit Hong Kong or southern China during typhoon season (typically June to September) should take several precautions:
- Monitor weather forecasts from the Hong Kong Observatory and other official sources before and during your trip.
- Book flexible tickets that allow for changes or refunds in case of flight disruptions.
- Register with your country’s consulate or embassy, especially if you are a foreign national, to receive safety updates and support.
- Pack essentials such as extra food, water, and medication in case you are stranded at the airport or your hotel.
- Stay informed by checking airline and airport websites for the latest updates on flight schedules and transport services.
For official information on airport operations, travelers can visit the Hong Kong International Airport website, which provides real-time updates on flight status, transport links, and emergency procedures.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Resilience
As Hong Kong International Airport and other regional airports work to clear the backlog of flights, most operations are expected to return to normal within two to three days, barring further weather disruptions. Authorities remain focused on supporting affected travelers and restoring full service as quickly as possible.
The experience of Typhoon Wipha serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation, flexibility, and community support in the face of natural disasters. By learning from each event and improving emergency protocols, Hong Kong and its neighbors can continue to strengthen their resilience against future storms.
Key Takeaways for Travelers and the Community
- Typhoon Wipha caused over 500 flight cancellations at Hong Kong International Airport, affecting about 100,000 travelers and creating widespread flight disruptions across southern China.
- Emergency protocols and extra staff helped manage the crisis, with most stranded passengers expected to be accommodated within two to three days.
- Travelers should check flight status, contact airlines, and monitor official advisories for the latest information and support.
- Flexible airline policies and strong emergency response helped reduce the impact of the storm, but patience and flexibility remain essential during recovery.
- Ongoing review of response protocols aims to further improve resilience and minimize disruption during future typhoons.
For more information and the latest updates, travelers are encouraged to consult their airline, the Hong Kong International Airport website, or their local consulate. Staying informed and prepared is the best way to manage the risks of travel during typhoon season and ensure a safe journey.
Learn Today
Typhoon → A tropical cyclone with heavy winds and rain, causing severe weather disruptions in coastal regions.
T10 Signal → The highest typhoon warning in Hong Kong, indicating extremely dangerous weather conditions.
Rebooking → The process of changing a traveler’s flight to a later or alternative schedule.
Airport Authority Hong Kong → The organization managing Hong Kong International Airport and coordinating emergency responses.
Twajudi Service → A notification system for UAE citizens abroad to receive timely safety alerts and consular support.
This Article in a Nutshell
Typhoon Wipha forced Hong Kong International Airport to cancel 500+ flights, impacting 100,000 travelers. Emergency protocols and increased staff aimed to clear backlogs by July 22, while public transit suspended. Recovery efforts reflect the region’s resilience during typhoon season, urging travelers to stay informed and flexible.
— By VisaVerge.com
