Taiwan was disrupted on Friday, October 23, 2026, as Typhoon Champi approached and disrupted nearly 1,000 flights, causing authorities to shut down classes, close offices and stop financial market trading.
The storm had weakened into a super typhoon and weakened as it moved towards Taiwan. But strong winds, heavy rainfall and dangerous coastal conditions were still very much a threat across the island.
Local residents should be on watch for the typhoon as it approached the northeastern coast before moving toward China and southern Japan.
Nearly 1,000 flights canceled in Taiwan
Air travel was one of the sectors most severely affected by the approaching storm. Taiwan's transport authorities canceled hundreds of domestic and international flights for Friday.
The number of flights cancelled was nearly 1,000 flights across the island, Reuters reported, as the island braced for the typhoon’s impact. One report noted that 931 flights were canceled, covering 262 domestic and 669 international flights.
The cancellations affected travel plans for passengers traveling within Taiwan and those traveling to international destinations. Airlines said passengers should check flight schedules and contact airlines for updates before heading to airports.
The storm also affected maritime transport, and ferry services and some rail services were stopped or suspended. Preparations were made to reduce the risk of adverse weather.
Schools, Offices and Financial markets close
Taiwan imposed widespread shutdown measures as the storm approached. Schools and offices shut down across most of the island and the financial markets were closed for the day.
The restrictions were intended to limit public exposure to dangerous weather conditions and allow emergency services to respond if flooding, landslides or other incidents occurred.
Public transport services in Taipei continued to run, but some services were on reduced schedules. People have been warned about not traveling to any coastal areas and to stay away from exposed coastal areas, authorities said.
The closures were seen in the everyday lives and businesses, with the scale of preparations for the storm taking place.
Powerful winds and heavy rain raise concerns
At its greatest, Typhoon Champi was among the strongest storms in the Pacific in 2026. Although it weakened before it reached Taiwan, it continued to carry strong winds.
According to Taiwan's Central Weather Administration, the storm's wind field extended over a wide area, making it possible for prolonged adverse weather to occur.
Forecasters warned of heavy rainfall, dangerous waves and potential flooding. Mountain areas were most vulnerable to landslides and rising water levels, and mountainous areas particularly were at risk of flooding.
Emergency teams prepared rescue boats and other equipment, and authorities in vulnerable areas took precautions against flooding and other storm-related hazards.
Residents Evacuated as authorities Prepare
Authorities evacuated people from vulnerable mountainous areas as a precautionary measure. Residents in areas vulnerable to flooding and landslide risk were urged to follow official instructions.
The storm had also caused casualties and injuries, according to reports. The typhoon was still moving south into the island on Friday.
Taiwan is used to typhoons and has emergency procedures in place to protect residents, but the size of Champi's wind field and the danger of torrential rain proved difficult.
Typhoon Champi Expected to move towards Japan.
The forecasts were that Champi would move close to northeastern Taiwan before moving north to the Chinese coast and later towards southern Japan.
The storm’s actual path and duration of its effects were important to transport operators and emergency services.
Authorities urged residents and travellers to follow official weather alerts and airline announcements. Flight schedules and public services would depend on weather conditions as the storm moved away.
The wide-scale cancellations and shutdowns stressed how severe weather was affecting travel, commerce and daily life in Taiwan.
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