Typhoon Dolphin Grounds Nearly 60% of Shanghai Flights (2026-08-14)

Shanghai's two major airports were thrown into disarray on Sunday as Typhoon Dolphin, the 13th typhoon of the year, swept through the region. Both Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport were forced to operate at reduced capacity, with nearly 60% of all inbound and outbound flights experiencing delays, adjustments, or outright cancellations.

Passengers at Pudong Airport's Terminal 2 faced long queues at check-in desks and service counters as they scrambled to make alternate arrangements. One traveler, part of a group of 12 heading to Dalian, said they only learned of their flight's cancellation upon arriving at the check-in counter. Another passenger, who had taken a train from a different city, noted that most flights appeared to be grounded and that they would need to contact their airline for rebooking.

Airlines moved to manage the chaos, with China Southern Airlines deploying dedicated staff to guide passengers and manage crowd flow. The airline also arranged accommodation for those in need, with special attention given to elderly passengers, children, individuals with medical conditions, passengers with disabilities, and pregnant women.

Foreign travelers were also caught in the disruption. An Italian passenger, whose flight to Chongqing was cancelled, said airline staff were helping rearrange flights and even assisting with train tickets from the airport's new station. "We've been lucky to find them here," he said.

Flight display screens throughout the terminals showed a sea of cancellation notices, while the apron outside remained largely quiet as aircraft stayed parked. Airport authorities have not yet indicated when normal operations are expected to resume.