Summary
- Typhoon Lan has caused severe weather in Japan, leading to the cancelation of over 800 flights and flood warnings being issued.
- Emirates has canceled flights between Dubai and Osaka, and passengers affected are advised to contact travel agents or the airline for alternative arrangements.
- The typhoon has disrupted thousands of people's travel plans, and floods, landslides, and tornadoes are also a concern.
Severe weather caused by Typhoon Lan has prompted Dubai's flagship airline, Emirates, to cancel flights to Osaka, Japan. The move comes after more than 800 flights have been canceled in Japan, with officials issuing flood warnings as heavy rain pounds the region.
The slow-moving tropical cyclone approaching from the Pacific Ocean reportedly made landfall during the early morning hours on Tuesday on the south end of Wakayama prefecture. It is estimated that over 50,000 passengers have been affected by flight cancelations.
"Until further notice"
According to Gulf News, Emirates confirmed that flights between its hub at Dubai International Airport and Kansai International Airport were canceled on Monday and Tuesday. Additionally, the carrier said, "Customers connecting to Osaka will not be accepted for travel at the point of origin until further notice."
Emirates has asked passengers impacted by the cancelations that booked their itineraries with travel agents to contact their agents directly to seek alternative arrangements. For travelers who booked directly with the airline, Emirates said they can contact their local office for options to rebook their flights.
The carrier's office in Osaka is open Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 10:45 to 15:30 and from 19:00 to 22:00. Japanese language is available 09:00 - 18:00 Monday - Friday, and English speakers are available to assist 24 hours. Passengers can also call the office, as the number is on the airline's website.
Aircraft operating the route
The flight between Dubai and Osaka is operated by a Boeing 777-300ER that accommodates up to 364 passengers in a three-class layout or up to 442 passengers in a two-class configuration.
Emirates is the world's largest operator of the 777, with both the -300ER and the smaller -200LR in its fleet. Only 9 aircraft are the -200LR, while 119 planes are the longer -300ER variant, according to ch-aviation. The carrier said it utilizes the aircraft type to carry millions of passengers across the globe each year, flying to nearly 100 cities on six continents.
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Wreaking havoc
Typhoon Lan is the seventh tropical system of the season, according to Gulf News. The storm has disrupted thousands of people's domestic and international travel plans amid the summer holidays. Reuters reported that nearly 900 flights in total have been canceled.
More than 600 people were forced to spend the night at Kansai Airport, which is located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, according to Kyodo News. The poor weather conditions forced railroad and car access to the airport to be cut off. With several people stranded at the airport, sleeping bags and water were reportedly handed out, and people slept in the airport's lobby.
While local officials have issued flood warnings, the threat of landslides is also a concern due to the heavy rain. Additionally, some tornadoes have formed amid the weather event.
Emirates clearly is not the only airline affected by the storm. Over 560 departing and arriving flights in western Japan have been canceled by Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways so far, impacting more than 50,000 travelers, Kyodo News reported.
Sources: Gulf News, ch-aviation.com, Kyodo News, Reuters