Typhoon Jebi forces cancellation of 600 domestic, international flights in Japan
More than 600 domestic flights and international flights have been cancelled as the country bace for ‘strongest storm in quarter century’ which is expected to graze mainland Japan.
Domestic airlines have cancelled local and international flights mainly scheduled to depart and arrive in airports in western and central Japan. All Nippon Airways Co. and Japan Airlines Co. have canceled 289 and 180 flights, respectively, also American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines cancelled their flights, says Kyodo news agency.
Thousands of inbound and outbound tourists booked on airlines flights are stranded after they failed to keep up with the cancellation of hundreds of flights to Japan’s three major tourist destinations, including and Osaka.
The typhoon Jebi, the 21st of the season, is bearing down on the area of the country home to Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
While will be spared the worst of the storm, authorities have warned of very strong winds and heavy rain even in the capital.
ANA Holdings Inc said Tuesday morning it was cancelling 247 domestic and eight international flights, while Japan Airlines Co pulled 176 domestic flights.
The Universal Studios Japan theme park, one of Osaka’s main tourist draws, will shut down for the entire day. Authorities called on residents to avoid any unnecessary trips outside.
Travel Alert issued for Typhoon Jebi to impact Japan says: If you are traveling to , Osaka, Nagoya and other areas of Japan over the next few days, expect delays and cancellations of flights. “Keep up to date on the latest information pertaining to this tropical weather system which may adversely affect your travel plans.”
“If you have a flight scheduled, your flight may be delayed or canceled — and you may be eligible for a waiver of a fee to change your itinerary. If you are driving in any of these areas, watch out for deteriorating weather conditions and traffic problems.”
West Japan Railway Co has begun halting local trains and plans to stop all local services in the area’s three main cities by September noon. Shinkansen high-speed trains between Osaka and Hiroshima were set to be cancelled from mid-morning, with JR West warning it might not be able to restart services all day. Services from to Osaka were running reduced operations.
