Strong winds hit Tokyo in the afternoon, causing major flight disruptions and tram service suspensions at Narita Airport

Reported by You... / Taipei

Today (17th), strong winds in Tokyo have caused significant flight schedule disruptions, with multiple flights originally scheduled for departure in the afternoon experiencing delays. China Airlines Flight CI101 from Tokyo Narita to Taipei, originally scheduled to depart at 14:30 local time and arrive at 17:15, was delayed due to strong winds at the airport. Tram services in Tokyo were also suspended.

▲ Map of Tokyo Narita Airport. (Image / from Wikimedia Commons)

This afternoon in Tokyo, flight operations were affected by strong winds, with multiple flights operated by China Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Vietnam Airlines, and others all experiencing departure delays. China Airlines stated that due to the extremely strong winds at Narita Airport, which exceeded safe takeoff thresholds, all airlines' flights remained grounded awaiting clearance as per airport instructions. With numerous aircraft affected, delays accumulated, and taking into account crew working hours and aircraft scheduling, CI101’s departure time was rescheduled to the evening. The new departure time has not yet been confirmed.

In addition to flight disruptions, train services within Tokyo were also impacted. Some netizens reported that the NEX train service to Narita Airport was suspended due to high winds. Numerous passengers were left stranded on trains en route to the airport.