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China to cancel some flights as Typhoon Matmo nears Hainan during peak holiday travel

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 10:48 GMT by reuters.com
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China’s Holiday Travel Slammed by Typhoon Matmo: Airlines Cancel Flights as Hainan Faces Severe Weather

During China’s peak holiday travel window, the country’s airline industry has been forced to cancel dozens of flights as the approaching typhoon “Matmo” threatens the Hainan Province—home to the country’s premier tropical resort and a key revenue‑generating region. The Chinese Civil Aviation Administration (CCAA) issued a warning to airlines and authorities on Thursday, prompting an immediate scale‑back of operations at several major airports, most notably Hainan’s Sanya Phoenix International Airport and Haikou Meilan International Airport.

Typhoon Matmo: What the Weather Forecast Says

Typhoon Matmo, a Category 3 system that has been tracked by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, is expected to make landfall on Hainan’s southern coast around mid‑morning on Thursday. With sustained winds projected to reach 20‑25 m/s (about 73–90 km/h) and gusts up to 30 m/s, the typhoon will bring heavy rain, high waves, and the risk of flooding to coastal towns and transport hubs. Meteorologists warned that the storm could hit Hainan just as the Chinese “Golden Week” holiday—one of the busiest travel periods of the year—reaches its peak.

The CCAA’s advisory emphasized that “the safety of passengers, crew and airport staff takes precedence over scheduling and that flight cancellations are a necessary measure to mitigate the risk posed by the typhoon.” The agency also noted that Hainan’s airport infrastructure—while robust—could still be vulnerable to power outages and runway obstructions.

Airline Responses: Flight Cancellations and Passenger Re‑booking

China Southern Airlines—the largest carrier on the island—announced the cancellation of 14 domestic flights scheduled to depart from Hainan between Thursday and Friday, including flights to major hubs in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Beijing. In a statement on its website, the airline said, “We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers and will do everything possible to minimize disruption. All affected passengers will be re‑booked on the next available flight or offered a refund.”

Air China followed suit, pulling 6 flights to and from Hainan on Thursday alone. The carrier’s travel service center opened additional customer support lines to handle the influx of inquiries.

XiamenAir, Shanghai Airlines, and Hainan Airlines (the provincial carrier) also reported cancellations and advisories. Collectively, airlines in the region have cancelled more than 30 flights, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded on the island or waiting for alternative arrangements.

The article linked to the airlines’ own “Flight Status” pages, where passengers can check real‑time updates. The airlines also coordinated with local authorities to ensure that passengers were transported to nearby cities if they were stranded after cancellation.

Impact on Hainan’s Tourism Economy

Hainan, the only Chinese province that can legally import goods from overseas on a “free‑trade” basis, relies heavily on tourism revenue. The province’s resorts, beaches, and winter‑break hotels are a magnet for domestic travelers during the Golden Week period. According to a report cited in the Reuters piece, Hainan welcomed more than 12 million visitors in 2023, contributing roughly 5% to China’s total tourism GDP.

“Matmo’s arrival just as we hit the peak travel season is a significant blow,” said Liu Wei, spokesperson for the Hainan Tourism Board. The board is working with airlines to expedite the re‑booking process and has urged the tourism industry to prepare for a temporary dip in revenue.

Safety Precautions and Government Measures

The Chinese Ministry of Transport issued a notice to airlines and airports, outlining safety protocols during typhoon conditions. The notice included:

• Pre‑flight Checks: Airlines are to conduct thorough runway inspections for debris and water damage.
• Ground Operations: Staff must secure all cargo and baggage; power supplies should be monitored for outages.
• Passenger Communication: Airlines should provide clear information about flight status and alternative travel options.

Hainan’s provincial government also activated its emergency response plan. The local Civil Aviation Bureau deployed additional aircraft to transport stranded passengers and cargo between Sanya and Haikou, ensuring that essential supplies could still reach hotels and resorts.

The Bigger Picture: China’s Weather‑Related Flight Disruptions

China has faced numerous weather‑related flight cancellations over the past decade, especially during the summer monsoon season. The Reuters article linked to a 2024 piece that documented the “Summer Monsoon Flight Cancellation Crisis” and highlighted how climate change is amplifying the frequency and intensity of typhoons in the South China Sea.

In a broader context, the incident underscores the vulnerability of China’s aviation network to extreme weather events—a concern that has been amplified by the country’s commitment to expanding domestic tourism and meeting its 2035 aviation capacity targets.

Looking Ahead

While the immediate priority is to get passengers to safety, airlines and authorities are also planning for the post‑typhoon recovery. The CCAA announced that it will monitor the situation closely and will lift flight restrictions as soon as the typhoon’s threat subsides. Airlines will likely resume operations at Sanya and Haikou airports in the next 24–48 hours, provided the weather permits.

Meanwhile, travelers are advised to double‑check flight schedules, keep an eye on official weather advisories, and be prepared for possible delays or cancellations. Travelers who have booked flights through third‑party agencies should confirm re‑booking arrangements and keep documentation handy.

In conclusion, Typhoon Matmo’s arrival at Hainan during China’s Golden Week has prompted a cascade of flight cancellations, illustrating the complex interplay between natural disasters and the country’s bustling tourism economy. Airlines, airports, and government agencies have coordinated to manage the disruption, but the event serves as a stark reminder of the growing impact of severe weather on global travel, especially in regions prone to tropical cyclones.