Powerful cyclone Typhoon Wipha heading to Hong Kong causing widespread flight cancellations and delays. Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Cathay Pacific Airways as well as low-cost carrier Scoot had all told of widespread cancellations to their services as the storm approaches.

Singapore Airlines – Cancellations & rebooked flights

LEYTE, Philippines – Singapore Airlines (SIA) on Saturday, July 19, 2025 reported the cancelling of some of its flights as a tropical storm approaches the region. One two flights – SQ874 and SQ882 flying out from Singapore to Hong Kong – that were set to take off on July 20 have been cancelled. Three Singapore-bound flights from Hong Kong, namely, SQ899, SQ875 and SQ883, were also affected by the turbulent weather.

SIA rearranged some of its services to make way for the passengers. SQ892 was due to leave Singapore at 9.50am but has been delayed by two hours to 11.50am. SQ893, a Hong Kong to Singapore flight that was originally planned to depart at 15:40 now departs at 17:40.

SIA told travellers affected, in answer to the disruptions, that patrons could rebook their flights. Jet-setters who see their flights cut had their choice to try and rebook on another flight or take a full refund, U.S. authorities said. Flights from Singapore to Shenzhen (near Hong Kong), such as SQ856 and SQ857 were also among those which were grounded because the storm was in close proximity.

Cathay Pacific Response to Typhoon Wipha

Cathay Pacific Airways also made extensive changes to its flight schedule, with Typhoon Wipha still headed towards Hong Kong. The carrier said all arrivals to and departures from Hong Kong International Airport between 5am and 6pm on July 20 would be delayed or scrapped. Passengers were encouraged to monitor their flights and rebook on later flights for free.

Cathay Pacific staff told ET that the airline’s priority was to ready the rebooked passengers on alternate flights at the earliest. The airline also advised travelers to contact its customer service center for additional help.

Scoot Scraps Flights Between Singapore and Macau

Singapore-based low-cost carrier Scoot – a no-frills division of Singapore Airlines – was also affected by the impact of Typhoon Wipha. Two Singapore-Macau flights, TR904 and TR905, on July 20 were cancelled in view of bad weather in the city. Scoot said it would help affected passengers rebook on other flights, or would give them a refund if they preferred.

Tourists were told to check for updates on flight statuses at Scoot’s website, with more heavy rain and potential landslides in the forecast for Bali. The airline’s call center was open to help with any issues and ensure impacted travelers are re-accommodated with the best available options.

Typhoon Signal No. 8 and Its Effects in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Observatory said it would issue a Typhoon Signal 8, the third-highest level, in the early hours of July 20. This action was taken as Typhoon Wipha was approaching the coast of Guangdong with strong winds, intense showers and thunders. The storm was expected to gather strength as it neared the region, bringing more potential for transportation and daily-life disruptions.

To prepare for the storm, the Hong Kong Education Bureau cancelled all special classes and after-school activities on the 20th of July. This closure was in support of the city’s overall response to the weather, and keeping students and staff safe.

The Airport Authority Hong Kong said that numerous flights had already been impacted, and that many more were likely to be disrupted with the storm still approaching. It would take one to two days after the storm before the airport was back on its normal flight schedule, the authority said.

Passenger Advice and Airline Communication

And with the situation fluid, passengers who planned to travel to or from Hong Kong were urged to check with their airlines and monitor the status of their flights. SIA and Cathay Pacific both have pages on their websites where they are regularly updating information about cancellations, delays and what you can do if you are affected and need to rebook. Travellers affected were advised to contact their airline for help with alternative travel options.

The airlines stressed that safety was their highest priority. They have also provided guidance to passengers that they were taking all steps possible to avoid the typhoon while ensuring to provide updates on what’s going on in the coming days.

What Travelers Need to Know as Typhoon Wipha Nears

Passengers travelling to Hong Kong or other affected areas should be aware of the ongoing Typhoon Wipha disruption. Travelers should not go to the airport unless they have to, the advisories said. Travelers already at the airport should comply with airline personnel and be prepared for delays or cancellations.

Passengers with upcoming flights should visit the official sites of carriers including Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Scoot to get information and have a smoother travel experience. As the storm develops, airline statuses could be fluid, so having up-to-the-minute intelligence is crucial to not stressing out for no reason.

Typhoon Wipha impact Final Tally Thoughts

But with Typhoon Wipha currently on course for Hong Kong, there is no doubt that this is an exceptionally scheming time for airlines and for passengers. Travel agencies have also added services to their schedules, with Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Scoot changing their schedules to calm the storm’s impact. “Though travelers need to be flexible and prepared for potential delays.

Conditions are changing, but airlines are doing their best to keep passengers informed and safe. Passengers should make relevant plans in advance and stay in contact with their airlines to handle the situation of interruption due to typhoon.