Typhoon Maria Grounds Over 470 Flights, Stranding Nearly 100,000 Passengers in Japan

Japan's aviation industry recently faced significant disruptions due to the impact of Typhoon Maria. The typhoon caused severe weather conditions, prompting Japan Airlines to announce the cancellation of 191 flights to and from Haneda and Narita airports on the 16th. The cancellations are expected to affect approximately 34,166 passengers.
Typhoon Maria struck Japan's Iwate Prefecture, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds that exacerbated the situation. This resulted in a heightened risk of disasters, leading to the issuance of evacuation orders for 15,404 households and 31,465 residents in Kuji City within the same prefecture.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that Typhoon Maria made landfall near Ofunato City in Iwate Prefecture at around 8:30 AM local time on the 12th. This severe weather event has affected the entire region significantly.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) also experienced disruptions due to the typhoon. ANA canceled eight flights at Aomori Airport on the 12th and subsequently announced the cancellation of 280 domestic flights on the 16th. The total number of affected passengers due to ANA's cancellations is estimated to reach 60,400.
Overall, the cancellations and disruptions reflect the severe impact of the typhoon on Japan's aviation sector and the broader disruptions felt by thousands of travelers. The safety of passengers and staff remains a priority, and both Japan Airlines and ANA are continuing to monitor the situation closely to manage further impacts effectively.
As the typhoon continues to affect the region, the affected airlines are taking all necessary precautions and urging passengers to stay updated on their flight statuses. The challenges faced by the aviation industry in Japan underscore the broader implications of extreme weather events on critical infrastructure and services.