Summary of Key Points
During the typhoon "Baihaidun"'s impact on Shanghai, a large number of flights at Pudong and Hongqiao airports were canceled (yesterday, over 2,000 flights were cancelled, setting a new record for the highest number in a single day this year). However, a few international flights (such as British Airways BA169 and Aeroflot SU208) managed to land and depart successfully by taking advantage of the temporary "window" in the weather. The article explains the specific reasons why flights were affected, the measures taken by airlines and airports, and the current situation where flights are gradually resuming but with uncertainties remaining.
Why Are So Many Flights Canceled During a Typhoon?
The main threats to flights during a typhoon come from two factors:
- Wind shear: The winds within a typhoon can change direction and speed suddenly (for example, when flying at low altitudes, an aircraft may be abruptly pushed off course by a strong gust of wind), which can easily cause the plane to lose control, especially during takeoff or landing.
- Lightning strikes: The thunderstorm clouds brought by a typhoon have intense electric fields, and exposed parts of the aircraft (such as wings and fuselage) are at risk of being struck by lightning. This can result in minor equipment damage or, in severe cases, pose a safety threat.
In addition, airlines cancel flights for practical reasons:
- Time to secure the aircraft: Before a typhoon arrives, planes need to be secured with ropes (a process called "tethering") to prevent them from being blown away by the wind or colliding with other aircraft.
- Preventing the inability to return: Some flights are on long-distance missions and must consider whether the typhoon will still be present when they attempt to return. If they cannot return, the crew may have to spend the night elsewhere, incurring additional costs.
Therefore, airlines assess the typhoon's movement every 3 hours and cancel a large number of flights in advance. On the 9th, 1,384 flights were scheduled to be canceled, with the actual number likely being even higher.
How Did Those "Brave" Flights Manage to Land and Depart?
Flights that managed to depart during the typhoon did so by:
- Seizing the right window in the weather: The impact of a typhoon is not continuous; there are brief periods when the wind weakens or the thunderstorms pause. For instance, British Airways Flight BA169 landed at Pudong at 8:59 AM, taking advantage of a safe interval when other flights were circling or preparing to land. Aeroflot Flight SU208 even landed 38 minutes earlier, also by timing its arrival perfectly.
- Prioritizing international flights: International flights cover long distances (e.g., from London to Shanghai, which takes about 12 hours). Cancellations or diversions for these flights would cause significant inconvenience for passengers (such as needing to re-book flights or find accommodations), and the crew would have to work overtime. As a result, airlines prioritize allowing international flights to attempt landing and departing.
- Pilots' strategic maneuvers: Many pilots described circling near the airport and waiting for the weather to improve before making an emergency landing.
What Preparations Did Airlines and Airports Make Before the Typhoon?
To prepare for the typhoon, airlines and airports took the following actions:
- Repositioning aircraft: Some flights were diverted to cities outside Shanghai (such as Hangzhou or Nanjing) to avoid the typhoon's impact.
- Securing aircraft: Aircraft remaining in Shanghai were tethered with special ropes to prevent them from being blown away by strong winds.
- Dynamic flight scheduling: Flight schedules were updated every 3 hours to cancel or reschedule flights promptly, avoiding passengers wasting time at the airport.
How Are Flights Resuming Now?
Flights began to resume at both airports around 11 AM on the 10th:
- At Hongqiao Airport, the first outbound flight was China Eastern Airlines Flight 11:19 to Tokyo, and the first inbound flight was from Seoul at 12:34.
- At Pudong Airport, the first outbound flight was British Airways Flight BA169 (returning to London at 11:04).
It's important to note that the outer circulation of the typhoon has not completely dissipated, so some flights may still be delayed or canceled. It is recommended to check with airlines for the latest updates before traveling.
What Should Ordinary People Consider When Traveling?
If you plan to fly to Shanghai in the near future, consider the following:
- Check flight status in advance: Use apps like Feichangzhun or Hanglv Zongheng to see if flights have been canceled or delayed.
- Don't rush to the airport: If a flight is cancelled, contact the airline to reschedule or cancel it to avoid unnecessary trips.
- Plan for potential delays: Even if flights resume, there may still be delays due to lingering weather effects. Try to arrive at the airport early.
In summary, flight cancellations during a typhoon are done for safety reasons, and the few flights that do depart are done so with safety as the top priority. Safety always comes first.