Taiwan’s Main Airport Returns to Normal After Typhoon Kong-rey
Taiwan's main airport, Taoyuan International Airport, is gradually returning to normal operations following the disruptions caused by Typhoon Kong-rey. The Taoyuan International Airport Corporation (TIAC) announced on Friday, November 1, that airlines have deployed Airbus A380 aircraft to help clear a significant backlog of flights.
On Thursday, October 31, the typhoon resulted in the cancellation of over 500 domestic and international flights as it swept across southern and central Taiwan. The storm not only disrupted flight schedules but also affected the delivery of luggage to aircraft. In response to the high volume of delayed arrivals, additional taxis were deployed to the airport.
As Typhoon Kong-rey weakened to a tropical storm and moved away from Taiwan on Friday, 675 flights were able to operate as scheduled, although 50 flights remained canceled, according to reports from CNA. TIAC advised travelers to arrive early at the airport, particularly during peak traffic times between noon and 4 p.m. and again from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
In a notable development, this marked the first time that five Airbus A380 planes were scheduled to arrive or depart within the same timeframe. Asiana Airlines from South Korea and Emirates from Dubai brought in the extra aircraft to accommodate passengers affected by earlier cancellations. The Airbus A380, known for its full-length double-deck design, can seat up to 525 passengers.
TIAC also cautioned that rescheduling and cancellations could continue to impact flights over the weekend, urging passengers to check their airlines' websites and apps for the latest updates on their travel plans. As the situation stabilizes, the airport is working to ensure a smooth transition back to regular operations.