Severe weather sweeping across Japan has caused major travel disruptions, with over 70 flights canceled and hundreds delayed at key airports including Haneda, Narita, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Tsushima. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and unpredictable storms have disrupted both domestic and international routes, affecting flights to and from countries such as the United States, Canada, China, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Nationwide Airport Disruptions
Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport), one of the busiest in Asia, has reported around 799 delays and 25 cancellations in a single day. Among these, over 40 delays and several cancellations involved flights to or from the United States, showing the global reach of the disruption. Airlines including All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Airlines (JAL), and Solaseed have experienced significant operational impacts.
Fukuoka Airport, a key domestic and international hub in western Japan, has faced extensive delays and cancellations. Hundreds of passengers have been affected as airlines work to manage backlogs while battling adverse weather. Popular routes to Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo have seen some of the heaviest delays.
Regional Airport Impacts
- Nagasaki: Recorded 17 cancellations and 39 delays, with carriers like ANA, Solaseed Airlines, and Delta Air Lines hit by high delay percentages.
- Tsushima: Experienced 14 cancellations and 11 delays, with Oriental Air Bridge facing particularly severe operational interruptions.
- Fukuoka: More than 245 delays and 12 cancellations were recorded, with All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, and Skymark Airlines significantly affected.
- Narita International Airport: Reported 4 cancellations and over 230 delays, impacting both domestic and international carriers such as Jetstar Japan, ANA Wings, and American Airlines.
Impact on Airlines
Both Japanese and international carriers have been forced to revise schedules, ground aircraft, and rebook passengers.
- All Nippon Airways (ANA): 6 cancellations and over 260 delays, affecting more than 60% of its daily operations.
- Japan Airlines (JAL): 3 cancellations and nearly 300 delays, impacting about 65% of flights.
- Solaseed Airlines: Cancellations affecting around 3% of operations and delays on more than 40% of flights.
- Delta Air Lines: Around half of scheduled services disrupted.
- Skymark Airlines: Significant delays across multiple domestic routes.
- StarFlyer: Over 60% of flights delayed.
International carriers including United Airlines, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, Finnair, Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, China Eastern, Air China, China Southern, Hong Kong Airlines, Air Canada, and KLM have also been impacted, with delays and cancellations affecting travel between Japan and destinations across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Traveler Experience
Thousands of passengers have been stranded at airports nationwide. Long queues, extended waiting times, and last-minute rebookings have become common. For domestic travelers, connections to smaller regional airports have been unreliable. International travelers—especially those bound for or from North America—are among the most affected, with multiple transpacific flights delayed or grounded.
The severe weather system is expected to persist for the next couple of days, meaning continued disruption is likely. Airlines have warned passengers to anticipate changes to departure times, gate assignments, and even route alterations.
Official Guidance
Airlines are urging passengers to monitor their flight status through official channels before heading to the airport. The Japan National Tourism Organization has advised visitors to keep track of weather alerts and transportation updates. They also recommend that foreign travelers carry contact details for airline customer service lines and be aware of rebooking and refund procedures.
Advice for Affected Passengers
- Check Flight Status Frequently – Use airline apps or customer service hotlines for real-time updates.
- Allow Extra Time – Arrive early for check-in and security to accommodate delays.
- Stay Flexible – Be prepared for re-routing or overnight stays.
- Have Essentials Handy – Keep chargers, snacks, and important documents within easy reach.
- Monitor Weather Updates – Japan’s weather can change rapidly, so stay informed.
Looking Ahead
Meteorological agencies warn that unstable weather patterns could persist for at least another 48 hours. This means travelers may continue to experience delays and cancellations at airports nationwide. Airlines are working to restore normal operations but stress that passenger safety remains the top priority.
With major hubs like Haneda and Narita under pressure, and regional airports such as Nagasaki, Tsushima, and Fukuoka still recovering from backlogs, travelers should expect continued congestion in terminals. International tourism to Japan remains high during this season, and the disruption underscores the importance of planning ahead when traveling during the country’s typhoon and rainy periods.
For those visiting Japan, patience and flexibility will be key. By keeping up to date with flight information and staying in close contact with airlines, travelers can better navigate the ongoing situation and minimize the impact on their plans.
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