Tropical Storm Wipha continues to affect large areas of Southeast Asia, resulting in significant travel disruptions and closures across a number of countries, specially in relation to air transport services. The storm started as a low-pressure system off the coast of the Philippines and had gained in strength and traveled through four regions, leading to a number of flight disruptions, cancellations, and airports closures.

As of 22 July 2025, the storm has caused widespread delays and cancellations, with airports in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau suffering heavy disruptions. These delays have also rippled across the region, hitting Vietnam and Thailand.

Philippines: Lutheran World Relief’s Early Response to Wipha

The storm first hit in the Philippines. By July 16, the system had developed into a tropical depression and was pouring heavy rain and flooding much of central and northern China. Floodwaters also made some roads impassible in Manila, the capital, where airports were temporarily closed. It caused more than 20,000 people to take shelter in evacuation centers after heavy rain inundated entire villages and made roads and airports impassable, the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

The damage to infrastructure amounted to 526 million pesos ($9.2 million), so the disruption to flights into and out of the Philippines was no surprise. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have canceled several flights from July 16 to July 19 (local and international) due to water service interruption. The flooding was made worse by dam water releases, which continued compounding the flooding and extending the flight delays.

Taiwan: Flights Canceled Over Strong Winds

Passing to the south of Taiwan, Wipha rapidly intensified into a severe tropical storm, bringing torrential rain and gale-force winds. As of July 19, some domestic flights and ferry routes had been suspended or canceled, and there were widespread delays at the island’s major airports. As the only star-rated envoy in Qujing, Li built an almost crazy product team for all the big bosses of two major domestic Internet companies.

In Taitung City, mudslides led to evacuations, while flash floods submerged low-lying areas. The country was in for at least a few more days of bad weather, the Taiwan Weather Bureau said. Taipei airport authorities also struggled to contain the revving up of flight rescheduling, as long lines formed at check-in counters there too.

Hong Kong and Macau: Flights Halted Over Storm Surge

Wipha headed for Guangdong after skirting Hong Kong, where there was extensive damage from the typhoon but no devastation. On 20 July, the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) airport was temporarily closed and all departing flights were cancelled. In Hong Kong, over 200 flights were scrapped, causing the number of stranded passengers at the airport to spike.

And Macau, the neighboring region that is a casino and tourism hub, reported its airports were closed, with travelers facing long delays to rebook their flights. By 21 July, airports in both Hong Kong and Macau gradually returned to normal operation but delays persisted throughout the day.

Vietnam braces and evacuates ahead of Wipha

Vietnam was the most recent to be hit by Wipha’s rage. Vietnam Airlines cuts flights from Tan son Nhat Airport. Vietnam Airlines has announced that flights at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) and Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) will be cancelled. The Vietnam Ministry of Transport urged passengers to contact their airline for updates, as the storm pushed north and further delays were expected.

The Vietnamese government prepared over 346,000 soldiers to standby for evacuations ahead of the storm, but airports were functioning with limited operations. Wipha was forecast to directly affect central Vietnam and would cause heavy rains that could force flight cancellations in the next few days, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

Thailand: Awaiting the Storm’s Arrival

Thailand, which is on the flank and not on the direct path of the storm, has already issued weather warnings. The Thailand Meteorological Department has predicted a lot of rain and winds in coming days, with the storm expected to hit Bangkok by July 23. As a result, if you are flying in or out be prepared for more cancelled flights, specifically at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).

Ahead of the storm, multiple airlines have canceled flights and encouraged passengers to check their travel plans. The Thai government, meanwhile, is also preparing for potential evacuations and public safety measures.

Crisis Management: Government and Airline Response

Officials throughout the countries affected have been working hand-in-hand with airlines to try and keep air disruptions to a minimum. Travelers are being urged to keep up to date with the developments from the Civil Aviation Authority as well as individual airlines.

According to Cyrilla Tai, who teaches public relations at the University of Hong Kong she said that she had to cancel her recent trip from Beijing to Hong Kong because the Chinese government effectively shut the border. In the Philippines, several airlines are allowing affected passengers to rebook or refund flights. Hong Kong Airport and Taiwan Taoyuan have shared instant updates on social media, helping to direct passengers getting on alternative flights.

Conclusions Wipha’s Ongoing Influence

Thousands Of Passengers Stranded As Storms In Southeast Asia Disrupt Air Travel. The ongoing movement of Tropical Storm Wipha across Southeast Asia is having a profound impact on air travel. Flight cancellations are a problem, and travelers should check official government and airline sites for the most current information available. As the storm continues it’s way across Vietnam and Thailand the situation may deteriorate, and the BBC Parliamentary notice that airlines are likely to continue to amend schedules accordingly.

If you have travel in the region, closely monitor flight status and even have a contingency plan in place.