Typhoon Danas Cripples Taiwan’s Tourism and Transportation: Over 8,000 Tourists Stranded Amid Mass Flight and Ferry Cancellations
Taipei, Taiwan – July 7, 2025 — Taiwan’s tourism and transportation sectors are reeling after Typhoon Danas barreled through the island over the weekend, causing widespread disruption and stranding thousands of travelers across the country. With over 258 domestic flights canceled, ferry services suspended, and major roadways closed due to landslides and flooding, Taiwan is now grappling with the aftershocks of one of the most disruptive storms to hit the region this year.
Air Travel Chaos: 258 Flights Canceled, Thousands Grounded
Domestic air travel was the first sector hit as Mandarin Airlines and UNI Air grounded all flights on Sunday, July 6. Popular domestic routes to outlying islands such as Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu were severely affected. Service gradually resumed on Monday afternoon, but airlines warn that operations remain contingent on weather conditions and airport accessibility.
More than 8,000 tourists remain stranded in Penghu alone, prompting the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) to arrange over 100 recovery flights. In a rare move, the government is also considering deploying military aircraft to assist with evacuations if commercial flights are unable to meet the demand.
China Airlines, Taiwan’s flag carrier, canceled several key international flights originating from Kaohsiung, including services to Tokyo Narita, Osaka, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for real-time updates.
Ferry Routes Suspended Across the Nation
High winds and dangerous sea conditions led to the suspension of all ferry routes connecting Taiwan’s main island with its outlying regions. Routes from Keelung to Matsu and Kinmen were halted from Saturday evening through Monday morning. The popular Donggang to Xiaoliuqiu service remains suspended until at least Wednesday.
The New Taima Ferry, which links Keelung and Matsu, also canceled all weekend sailings, leaving hundreds of passengers in limbo. The Maritime and Port Bureau has stated that services will resume once wave heights drop below safety thresholds.
Railway Updates: South Link Line Restored, High-Speed Rail Largely Unaffected
Taiwan’s rail infrastructure faced partial suspensions, particularly along the South Link Line—a vital corridor connecting the island’s southern and eastern regions. Service was halted Sunday afternoon but has since resumed, following extensive safety checks and debris removal.
The Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR), which connects Taipei to Kaohsiung, experienced minimal disruption, operating with reduced frequency during the peak of the storm. Passengers are still encouraged to check train schedules due to localized weather-related delays.
Road Closures: Landslides and Flooding Across Mountain Highways
Road transportation has been heavily affected, with the Central Cross-Island Highway temporarily closed due to multiple landslides. The Directorate General of Highways reported closures on Provincial Highways 9, 18, 20, and 29, with significant flooding and debris posing ongoing risks.
National Highway 3 (Formosa Freeway) saw a tragic accident amid heavy rains, further underscoring the dangerous driving conditions across the island.
Tourist Destinations Shuttered Amid Safety Concerns
Several of Taiwan’s most iconic tourist attractions have temporarily closed in response to the storm. These include:
- Kenting National Park: A popular southern beach destination shut down over the weekend.
- Alishan Forest Recreation Area: Known for its scenic railway and sunrise views, closed due to landslide threats.
- Fushan Botanical Garden: Closed pending safety inspections.
Taiwan’s Forestry Bureau also ordered the closure of multiple mountainous recreation zones including Hehuanshan, Aowanda, Basianshan, Dasyueshan, and Wuling.
Government Response and Recovery Measures
President Lai Ching-te personally visited the Central Emergency Operations Center on Sunday to assess the situation and coordinate inter-agency responses. In a press briefing, he emphasized the importance of collaboration between central and local governments and praised emergency workers for their rapid deployment.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has maintained weather alerts for central and southern Taiwan, where conditions remain unstable. The Ministry of Transportation continues to issue rolling updates on transportation recovery efforts, with a focus on assisting stranded tourists and restoring connectivity to critical regions.
Ongoing Weather Outlook and Travel Advisory
As of Monday evening, Typhoon Danas has weakened, but Taiwan remains under threat from residual heavy rainfall and gusty winds, particularly in central and southern regions. Flooding continues in some rural areas, while the north, including Taipei and New Taipei City, is gradually returning to normal.
Travelers are strongly advised to:
- Monitor updates from the CWA and MOTC.
- Confirm flight and ferry status before departing.
- Avoid travel through mountainous or flood-prone areas until roadways are fully cleared.
Conclusion: A Long Road to Recovery for Taiwan’s Tourism Industry
Typhoon Danas has dealt a severe blow to Taiwan’s tourism economy during peak summer travel. With over 8,000 tourists stranded, widespread transport paralysis, and damage to natural attractions, the island faces a slow path to recovery.
Authorities remain on high alert, and travelers are urged to remain patient and flexible with their plans. The storm’s long-term impact on Taiwan’s tourism sector may linger well into the summer season, but recovery is already underway with the joint efforts of government agencies and local communities.
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