Last Updated on 2025 年 8 月 13 日 by 総合編集組
Typhoon Yangliu (Podul) Disrupts Taiwan’s Air Travel: A Comprehensive Report on Taoyuan and Songshan Airports
Introduction
On August 13, 2025, Typhoon Yangliu (internationally named Podul) swept through Taiwan, causing significant disruptions to air travel at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA). As Taiwan’s primary international hub and a key domestic airport, respectively, these facilities faced unprecedented challenges due to strong crosswinds and wind shear. This summary provides a detailed overview of the typhoon’s impact, including flight cancellations, delays, safety measures, and practical advice for travelers. All data is sourced from official airport documents and public reports, with a reminder to verify flight status via official channels.
Typhoon Yangliu: Path and Impact
Typhoon Yangliu, the 11th typhoon of the 2025 Pacific season, formed on August 12 and rapidly intensified into a moderate typhoon with a central pressure of 950-970 hPa. According to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration, the storm made landfall in Taitung County’s Taimali Township at approximately 1:00 PM on August 13, exiting via Tainan’s Qigu District by 4:00 PM. Despite its swift three-hour traverse across southern Taiwan, Yangliu’s storm circle affected Taitung, Hualien, Pingtung, and Penghu, with gusts reaching 14-17 on the Beaufort scale. Northern regions, including Taoyuan and Taipei, experienced heavy rain and crosswinds, indirectly disrupting air traffic.
The typhoon led to widespread transportation disruptions:
- Railways: Taiwan Railways suspended services on western, eastern, and southern lines.
- Maritime: All ferry services to outlying islands (Penghu, Kinmen) were canceled.
- Public Measures: Counties like Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Taitung announced work and school closures. President Lai Ching-te oversaw disaster response coordination at the Central Disaster Response Center.
Taoyuan International Airport: A Global Hub Under Pressure
Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan’s primary gateway, handles hundreds of daily flights connecting Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Typhoon Yangliu caused significant operational challenges, particularly for cross-strait and international routes.
- Flight Disruptions: Out of 663 scheduled flights on August 13, 64 were canceled (49 passenger, 15 cargo), affecting approximately 10,000 travelers. Dozens of flights faced delays, with some rescheduled by several hours. At least 26 flights were diverted to alternate airports like Taichung, Hong Kong, or Jeju due to crosswinds.
- Crosswind Challenges: From 11:00 AM, wind speeds reached 34 knots, nearing the safety limit for large aircraft (32 knots). Wind shear further complicated landings, forcing pilots to execute go-arounds or diversions. For example, a China Airlines flight from Bangkok (CI832) was delayed from 6:10 PM to 10:23 PM, and a Japan Airlines flight from Tokyo (JL809) was rescheduled to 11:59 PM.
- Airport Response: Taoyuan Airport activated its third emergency meeting, coordinating with airlines and ground staff. Safety measures included securing B1-B3 boarding bridges and suspending B4-B9 operations. Power, air conditioning, and drainage systems were inspected to ensure functionality. Real-time updates were provided via the airport’s website and app.
Traveler Experience: A passenger from Kaohsiung, Ms. Chen, faced a canceled China Airlines flight to Shanghai (CI8003). Stranded for three hours, she appreciated the airport’s free Wi-Fi and rest areas, which helped her rebook for the next day.
Songshan Airport: Domestic and Regional Disruptions
Taipei Songshan Airport, located in central Taipei, primarily serves domestic routes and short-haul international flights to cities like Tokyo and Shanghai. While less affected than Taoyuan, Songshan faced significant disruptions, particularly for domestic services.
- Flight Disruptions: All domestic flights, including those to outlying islands like Penghu and Kinmen, were canceled. International and cross-strait routes saw 158 cancellations and 6 delays, primarily affecting routes to Shanghai, Xiamen, and Fuzhou. Five flights from destinations like the Philippines and Nagoya were diverted to Taichung due to strong crosswinds.
- Crosswind Challenges: Songshan’s east-west runway orientation made it vulnerable to northerly crosswinds, with speeds of 38-45 knots recorded from 8:00 AM to midnight, exceeding the 25-knot safety limit for smaller aircraft like the ATR72. This led to a “red alert” status, prompting go-arounds and cancellations.
- Airport Response: Songshan adjusted high-risk flight schedules, reinforced runway and terminal infrastructure, and increased service desk staff to assist with rebooking and transportation guidance. Passengers were advised to use high-speed rail as an alternative for domestic travel.
Traveler Experience: Mr. Li, a passenger from Tokyo, had his China Airlines flight (CI123) canceled. The airline’s swift rebooking allowed him to reach Taipei via high-speed rail, minimizing disruption.
Industry Response and Recommendations
The aviation sector demonstrated resilience but faced challenges:
- Crosswind Monitoring: Both airports rely on advanced wind sensors, but Yangliu’s rapid wind shifts tested their limits. Experts recommend upgrading to high-resolution sensors and enhancing pilot training for extreme weather.
- Flight Scheduling: Airlines should preemptively cancel high-risk flights and dynamically adjust schedules based on weather forecasts.
- Passenger Services: Improved communication through apps, SMS, and social media, alongside rest areas and shuttle services, can mitigate traveler inconvenience.
Traveler Advice
- Flight Status: Check Taoyuan (https://www.taoyuan-airport.com) and Songshan (https://www.tsa.gov.tw) websites or contact airlines directly.
- Safety Precautions: Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain and monitor Central Weather Administration alerts (https://www.cwa.gov.tw).
- Contingency Plans: Consider high-speed rail or buses for domestic routes and pack essentials like chargers and snacks for potential delays.
Outlook
By the evening of August 13, Typhoon Yangliu had exited Taiwan, with land warnings expected to lift by August 14 morning. Both airports plan to resume normal operations by August 14, prioritizing long-haul and outlying island routes. Travelers should stay updated via official channels.
Conclusion
Typhoon Yangliu tested Taiwan’s aviation infrastructure, highlighting the need for enhanced weather monitoring, flexible scheduling, and robust passenger support. As climate change increases typhoon frequency, Taiwan’s airports and airlines must continue to strengthen resilience to ensure safe and efficient operations.
