Vietnam Insider – Typhoon Wutip has thrown air travel into disarray in Central Vietnam, causing widespread cancellations, diversions, and delays at Da Nang International Airport. Passengers faced long queues and uncertainty as torrential rain lashed the region on Thursday, June 12th.
Dozens of Flights Impacted as Typhoon Wutip Batters Central Vietnam
By midday on June 12th, preliminary statistics from Da Nang International Airport painted a grim picture: 9 flights were completely canceled. Another 9 flights were unable to land in Da Nang and had to divert. 8 flights that had already departed were forced to return to their origin due to severe weather conditions.
Inside the domestic terminal, a snaking line of passengers waited anxiously at check-in counters, even as heavy rain continued to fall. The departure board showed a stark reality: out of 12 scheduled Vietnam Airlines and VietJet flights to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc, only one was boarding. Seven flights were delayed, and four had no estimated departure time.
The international terminal also felt the typhoon’s wrath, with a pair of flights from Da Nang to Macau (China) scheduled for June 12th postponed. These flights were originally set to depart Da Nang at 10:30 PM and Macau at 10:05 PM.
Vietnam Airlines Takes Action Amidst Disruptions
Vietnam Airlines reported significant disruptions, with 14 flights between Hanoi and Da Nang canceled on the evening of June 11th and early morning of June 12th. Additionally, two flights (VN7167 and VN7165) from Hanoi to Da Nang were diverted to Cam Ranh or forced to return to Hanoi due to unsafe operating conditions in Da Nang.
At the same time, seven flights headed for Da Nang were put into holding patterns, creating a ripple effect that delayed 32 other flights by 20 to 65 minutes. Nearby Phu Bai Airport in Hue also experienced disruptions, with numerous flights delayed or rerouted due to adverse weather.
In response to the chaos and to ensure passenger safety, Vietnam Airlines has adjusted its flight schedule. The airline plans to increase flights and utilize wide-body aircraft on the Hanoi-Da Nang route on the afternoon of June 12th.
Vietnam’s national flag carrier issued an apology to passengers for the weather-induced changes, advising that flight times might continue to be adjusted as the typhoon progresses. Updates will be provided through media channels and via contact information in booking records.
Typhoon Wutip’s Path and Continued Impact
Flight disruptions to Central Vietnam are expected to continue today and tomorrow. According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of midday today, Typhoon Wutip’s center was located west of the Paracel Islands, maintaining an intensity of Category 8-9 with maximum winds of 88 km/h. Over the next 24 hours, the typhoon is projected to move west-northwest at approximately 5-10 km/h, heading towards Hainan Island, China.
Weather Outlook for the Region
The northern East Sea, including the Paracel Islands, is experiencing strong winds (Category 6-7, gusts up to Category 9) and rough seas today, with waves reaching 3-5 meters. The northwestern sea area is particularly volatile, with winds up to Category 7 and near the typhoon’s eye, Category 9-10 with gusts up to Category 13. Seas are extremely rough, with waves between 4-6 meters. Central Vietnam is bracing for very heavy rainfall today and tomorrow, with precipitation ranging from 100-200 mm, and some areas potentially exceeding 350 mm.
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Source: Vietnam Insider