Taiwan Typhoon Champi Causes Closures And Over 600 Flight Cancellations

Typhoon Champi has severely disrupted life in Taiwan, leading to the closure of schools, offices, financial markets, and the cancellation of over 600 flights.

Taiwan is currently experiencing the severe wrath of Typhoon Champi, which has completely disrupted normal life across the country. On Friday, 23 October 2026, widespread disruptions brought operations to a halt in Taiwan due to Typhoon Champi. Because of this natural disaster, more than 600 flights were cancelled across the country, and financial markets remained closed throughout the day. Although Typhoon Champi is gradually weakening and isn't expected to make a direct landfall on the coastal areas, heavy downpours and strong gusty winds were still anticipated, prompting authorities to take strict precautionary measures to ensure public safety.

Taiwan Cancels All Domestic Flights and Keeps Markets Closed

Providing detailed information, the Ministry of Transport in Taiwan stated that all 262 domestic flights scheduled for 23 October and over 350 international flights were completely cancelled. Also, Taiwan's financial markets remained shut for the entire day, halting standard economic activities. Schools, colleges, and offices across almost all parts of Taiwan remained closed. However, normal operations continued only on the Kinmen islands under Taiwan's control, as these islands are situated quite close to the Chinese coast, while in the capital city of Taipei, amidst strong winds and continuous rain, the metro and other public transport services operated on a very limited basis to assist stranded commuters.

Status of Super Typhoon Champi and Meteorological Department Warnings

Nearly the entirety of Taiwan was shut down ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Champi. The typhoon was forecasted to bring fierce winds and heavy rainfall to the region. According to Taiwan's Central Weather Administration, known as CWA, Champi was previously classified as a super typhoon and stands as one of the most powerful storms in the Pacific Ocean this year, while it still packs destructive winds blowing at approximately 191 kilometers per hour, equivalent to 119 miles per hour, near its center. The CWA reported that the powerful storm is currently located about 330 kilometers, or 205 miles, east of Taiwan's southern tip. According to meteorological forecasts, the typhoon will pass near the northeastern part of Taiwan, then turn north toward the Chinese coast, and finally move away toward southern Japan.