A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on July 30, 2025, triggering a tsunami warning and forcing the immediate closure of Sendai Airport in Japan. Nearly 2 million people have been evacuated from coastal areas as authorities race to protect lives and manage widespread travel disruptions.
Sendai Airport closed all runways by 10:15 local time, with all flights canceled by Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, AIRDO, IBEX Airlines, and several international carriers. The closure is indefinite, pending safety checks. This shutdown has caused a chain reaction of delays and cancellations at major airports across Japan, including Narita, Tokyo Haneda, Kansai, and Fukuoka. Over 400 flights across Asia have been canceled due to related severe weather, and ferry and train services in northern Japan are also suspended.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warns that tsunami waves up to nine feet high could hit, especially in Fukushima, Miyagi, and Iwate prefectures. Alerts are expected to last more than a day. Internationally, tsunami warnings have been issued for Hawaii, the US West Coast, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, New Zealand, and several Pacific islands. Airlines such as Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have suspended flights to Hawaii, and cruise ships have left ports early as a safety measure.
All major airlines serving Sendai and affected regions are offering free changes, rescheduling, or refunds for tickets on flights impacted by the tsunami warning and airport closures. This policy applies even if the flight was only delayed, not canceled. Travelers should check the latest flight status with their airlines and follow all evacuation and safety instructions from local authorities. The UK Foreign Office and other agencies have updated travel advisories for Japan, urging travelers to stay alert and flexible.
Authorities stress that anyone scheduled to travel to or from Sendai Airport should not go to the airport unless their flight is confirmed. Passengers are urged to contact airlines for rebooking or refunds and to monitor official channels for updates. Those in evacuation zones must follow orders immediately, seek shelter at designated centers, and stay tuned to local news for updates on tsunami risk and airport reopening.
This earthquake is one of the strongest in modern history and has led to the largest tsunami warning and evacuation in Japan since the 2011 Tōhoku disaster. Sendai Airport, located near the coast, is especially vulnerable and has a history of rapid closure during such events.
Sendai Airport will stay closed until authorities confirm it is safe. Delays and cancellations are expected to continue at major airports as airlines and officials handle rerouted flights and passenger overflow. Airlines and government agencies may update travel policies as the situation changes, so travelers should expect ongoing flexibility.
For real-time tsunami alerts and evacuation orders, visit the Japan Meteorological Agency. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the ripple effects from Sendai Airport’s closure highlight the importance of staying informed and prepared during natural disasters. Travelers and residents should rely on official sources and follow all safety instructions to protect themselves and their families.
Learn Today
Tsunami Warning → Official alert indicating imminent large ocean waves caused by underwater seismic activity.
Evacuation → The organized removal of people from dangerous areas to safer locations.
Sendai Airport → A major airport in Japan closed due to tsunami risk following the earthquake.
Japan Meteorological Agency → Japanese government body responsible for weather forecasts and disaster warnings.
Flight Cancellation → The termination of scheduled airline trips usually due to safety or operational issues.
This Article in a Nutshell
On July 30, 2025, a massive earthquake near Kamchatka triggered a tsunami warning, closing Sendai Airport indefinitely, disrupting flights, and prompting large evacuations across Japan and Pacific regions to protect lives amid severe travel impacts.
— By VisaVerge.com
