Typhoon Podul travel disruptions, flights and waivers

Published on Aug 15, 2025, 12:48 pm CDT

6 min read

Typhoon Podul crossed southern Taiwan on August 13, then made landfall in Fujian, disrupting flights, ferries, and some rail lines across the Taiwan Strait region. Airlines have begun restoring schedules, but residual delays remain at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH), Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN), and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). Several ferry routes along the Fujian coast, including cross-strait links, were suspended during the storm. Select carriers have issued flight waivers or flexible rebooking. Plan for rolling knock-on delays as crews and aircraft reposition.

Key Points

Why it matters: Ongoing Typhoon Podul travel disruptions are still causing missed connections and itinerary changes.
Travel impact: Flights and some ferries were suspended in Taiwan and Fujian, with limited Hong Kong effects under rainstorm warnings.
What's next: Most flights are resuming, but expect delays while backlogs clear and weather bands linger over South China.
Ferry suspensions include multiple Fujian coastal passenger routes, check operator notices before travel.
Confirm ticket options, as flight waivers vary by airline and date.

Snapshot

Podul made landfall in Taiwan on August 13, then came ashore in Fujian early August 14, causing widespread cancellations and short-term port closures. Taiwan reported hundreds of flight cancellations, with Kaohsiung seeing the brunt as carriers trimmed schedules for safety. Fujian rail managers paused ticket sales and suspended portions of several lines as seas and winds built, while authorities halted 11 ferry routes along the coast, including the Quanzhou to Kinmen "Mini Three Links." In Hong Kong, the Observatory issued rainstorm warnings and later canceled the No. 1 tropical cyclone signal at 12:20 p.m. on August 13, limiting local transport disruption; operators generally suspend ferries only at Signal No. 8 or higher.

Background

Taiwan authorities suspended work and school across multiple counties and evacuated thousands ahead of the storm, which delivered destructive winds and heavy rain before weakening over the Taiwan Strait. Reuters tallied 252 domestic and 129 international flight cancellations on August 13 as Podul passed across the south toward China. After the second landfall in Fujian, rain bands spread across South China, with localized flooding and evacuations in low-lying areas. Hong Kong saw black rain warnings on August 14 during the broader unsettled pattern, but the No. 8 tropical cyclone signal was not hoisted for Podul's passage.

Latest Developments

Flights and rail in Taiwan, what is back and what is not

International and domestic flights at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) operated with delays as carriers rebuilt rotations, while Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) restored service more gradually after widespread cancellations on August 13. Taiwan High Speed Rail and conventional services normalized in phases as weather bands eased. Uni Air issued a storm update allowing eligible customers who purchased via official channels to apply online or in-app for refunds within the stated window. Travelers headed to Kinmen Airport (KNH), near Xiamen and about a one hour flight from Taipei, should expect continued demand spikes due to earlier ferry suspensions. Check airline flight status tools before leaving for the airport.

Fujian and Hong Kong operations after landfall

Fujian provincial authorities activated typhoon response measures the night of August 12, temporarily halting ticket sales on segments of the Fuzhou-Xiamen and other corridors, and suspending 11 coastal passenger ferry routes, including Quanzhou-Kinmen. Rail suspensions in Fuzhou, Xiamen, and Shenzhen corridors were announced for August 13 to 14, with instructions for 12306 app refunds. In Hong Kong, the Observatory canceled the No. 1 signal at 12:20 p.m. on August 13 and downgraded rainstorm warnings through the day on August 14. Hong Kong-Macau ferries typically operate under Signal No. 3 and suspend at No. 8, so operators remained in normal or adjusted service during Podul's passage.

Who is waiving change fees and offering flexibility

Cathay Pacific, special ticketing guidelines waive rebooking or rerouting charges for Kaohsiung on August 13 and Xiamen on August 12 to 13, with refund provisions per the notice.
Uni Air, storm notice allows eligible online or app purchasers to apply for refunds during the application period.
Greater Bay Airlines, posted Podul cancellations and directed passengers to rebooking channels, with further details via Special Ticketing Guidelines.
China Airlines, published a Typhoon Podul advisory directing passengers to check status and contact sales channels for changes, with standard handling rules applying.
HK Express, issued an important alerts page for weather disruptions, directing customers to check e-mail and manage bookings.

For Hong Kong-Macau ferries, TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet state that services suspend when Signal No. 8 or higher is hoisted, and otherwise may run with adjustments under Signal No. 3. Always reconfirm sailings.

Analysis

For travelers, the main risk has shifted from outright cancellations to irregular operations. Taiwan airports, especially Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH), are clearing backlogs while carriers reposition aircraft and crews. That means mid-day banks can still run late even under clear skies. If your itinerary connects through Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Taiwan or Fujian, pack extra buffer time. Ferry suspensions in Fujian, including the Quanzhou-Kinmen link, created a temporary surge in demand for alternative air options into Kinmen Airport (KNH), which can ripple into short-haul availability. On waivers, Cathay Pacific's date-and-station specific policy is the most explicit. Others, like Uni Air, offer refunds or rebooking within defined purchase channels and time frames, which is helpful but more limited. Bottom line, verify your route, reprice alternatives before changing, and use airline apps to hold new seats before you cancel an existing booking.

Final Thoughts

Conditions are improving, but Typhoon Podul travel disruptions will linger until rotations normalize across Taiwan, Fujian, and Hong Kong. If you are crossing the Strait, reconfirm flights the evening before travel, and check ferry status the morning of departure. Use published waivers where available, document weather eligibility when asking an airline to bend rules, and keep receipts for out-of-pocket costs. With a bit of flexibility, most travelers should be able to complete trips over the next 24 to 48 hours as carriers and ferry operators restore the network affected by Typhoon Podul travel disruptions.