Powerful Cyclone Rajasa Disrupts Air Travel Across Asia
2025 | Weather & Travel Disruptions
Widespread Flight Cancellations and Disruptions
Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong's flagship carrier, announced the cancellation of more than 500 flights as Cyclone Rajasa intensified on Tuesday. The storm has created domino-effect disruptions across Asia's aviation network, with multiple airlines following suit by canceling their scheduled services .
Flight information boards across Asian airports displayed widespread cancellations as Cyclone Rajasa approached.
While the immediate impact has been substantial, airport authorities have warned that Wednesday is expected to bring the most significant travel disruptions as the cyclone moves closer to major population centers . The cumulative number of canceled flights across all airlines has reportedly exceeded 700 according to some sources .
Hong Kong International Airport's Response
As a major aviation hub connecting Asia with Australia, New Zealand, and beyond, Hong Kong International Airport finds itself at the epicenter of these disruptions. Despite the severe weather conditions, the airport remains technically open, though operations have been significantly curtailed .
500+ Flights Canceled
Cathay Pacific alone canceled over 500 flights, with other airlines following suit
Technical Operations Continue
Hong Kong Airport remains open but with significantly reduced operations
Dedicated Passenger Areas
Special zones established to accommodate stranded travelers
Safety First Approach
Authorities emphasize passenger safety as the top priority
Airport authorities have established dedicated areas within the terminal to accommodate stranded passengers who face delays or cannot depart due to the weather conditions. These measures are part of precautionary steps to ensure necessary support is provided to affected travelers .
Cyclone Rajasa's Characteristics and Path
Cyclone Rajasa has been identified as a significant weather system with sustained wind speeds near its center reaching approximately 230 kilometers per hour according to the Hong Kong Observatory .
| Characteristic | Details | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Speed | Up to 230 km/h sustained winds | Dangerous flying conditions, ground damage |
| Movement | West to Northwest at 22 km/h | Approaching Guangdong province coast |
| Rainfall | Torrential rains accompanying the system | Flash flooding, reduced visibility |
| Warning Level | Signal No. 8 raised in Hong Kong | Business and transport suspensions |
The Hong Kong Observatory has raised the Storm Signal No. 8, the third-highest level in the city's weather warning system, indicating that winds with mean speeds of 63 kilometers per hour or more are expected. This has triggered the closure of most businesses and suspension of transport services across the region .
Regional Preparations and Impact
Beyond Hong Kong, regions across Southern China are bracing for the cyclone's impact. Authorities in Guangdong province have closed educational institutions and businesses in at least ten cities, including Shenzhen, where approximately 400,000 residents have been evacuated .
Regional Safety Measures
- Mass Evacuations: Over 770,000 people evacuated in Guangdong province alone
- School and Business Closures: Widespread closures across affected regions
- Emergency Shelters: 46 temporary shelters opened in Hong Kong
- Public Advisory: Residents urged to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel
- Supply Preparations: Supermarkets experienced rush buying as residents stocked up on essentials
The cyclone has already affected the northern Philippines, where it caused at least one fatality, triggered landslides, uprooted trees, and destroyed homes, forcing thousands of residents to seek shelter in evacuation centers .
Historical Context and Climate Considerations
Meteorologists have compared Cyclone Rajasa to previous significant storms that have impacted the region, notably Typhoon Hato (2017) and Typhoon Mangkhut (2018), both of which caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage .
Typhoon Hato causes significant damage across Hong Kong and Southern China
Typhoon Mangkhut becomes one of the most destructive storms in recent memory
Cyclone Rajasa approaches with intensity comparable to historic storms
Scientists warn that climate change is increasing the intensity of tropical cyclones, making coastal areas in East Asia more vulnerable to such disasters. The growing strength of these weather systems presents ongoing challenges for disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the region .
Conclusion: Navigating the Storm's Aftermath
As Cyclone Rajasa continues its path through the South China Sea, the aviation industry and communities across Southeast Asia are facing significant disruptions. The cancellation of hundreds of flights represents just one aspect of the storm's far-reaching impact on business, transportation, and daily life throughout the region.
While Hong Kong International Airport remains technically open, the "significant disruptions" warned by officials will likely continue through Wednesday as the storm reaches its peak intensity near population centers. Travelers are advised to maintain direct contact with their airlines for the latest flight information and exercise caution as weather conditions deteriorate.
The response to Cyclone Rajasa highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing operational continuity with passenger safety during extreme weather events—a challenge that may become increasingly common as climate patterns continue to evolve.