Typhoon Dolphin Triggers 1,300 Flight Cancellations at Shanghai Airports

Forcing Thai Airways to suspend direct flights between Bangkok and Shanghai, Typhoon Dolphin has triggered over 1,300 flight cancellations across Pudong and Hongqiao airports on August 10, 2026.

The Core Transit Update

Aviation corridors and airport transit hubs in eastern China are experiencing severe disruptions. Following the landfall of Typhoon Dolphin in Zhejiang Province, heavy rainfall and high crosswinds have restricted safe passenger movements at Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) airports.

To ensure safety, Thai Airways has cancelled its scheduled round-trip flights between Bangkok and Shanghai. Concurrently, major Chinese operators—including China Eastern, Shanghai Airlines, Air China, and China Southern—have suspended flights, impacting regional travel networks.

Flight Suspensions & Airline Statuses

Coordinating a rebooking during a major weather event requires comparing flight parameters and carrier hubs. The following tables outline the cancelled Thai Airways flights and the status of Chinese operators.

Cancelled Flight Number	Departure Gateway Hub	Arrival Destination Hub	Scheduled Departure (Local)	Scheduled Arrival (Local)
TG662 (Thai Airways)	Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK)	Shanghai Pudong (PVG)	00:30	05:45
TG663 (Thai Airways)	Shanghai Pudong (PVG)	Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK)	07:30	11:05

Thai Airways cancelled flights on August 10, 2026.

Airline Operator	Main Operational Hub (PVG / SHA)	Status of Scheduled Flights	Primary Alternate Gateway Option
China Eastern Airlines	Shanghai Pudong (PVG)	Widespread cancellations	Rebook via Beijing Daxing (PKX)
Shanghai Airlines	Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA)	Widespread cancellations	Rebook via Nanjing Lukou (NKG)
Spring & Juneyao	Shanghai Pudong (PVG)	Widespread cancellations	Rebook via Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH)
Air China / China Southern	Pudong / Hongqiao hubs	Selective flight suspensions	Coordinate onward connecting routes

Chinese carriers' operational status during Typhoon Dolphin.

Traveler Logistics Guide

From a ground-level perspective, the best way to navigate this is to download your airline's mobile app and verify your flight status before leaving for Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, as the suspension of operations in Shanghai has left aircraft and cabin crew displaced, meaning flight delays will persist for several days after the storm passes. Checking flight rebooking policies is recommended.

To manage your journey during typhoon disruptions:

Avoid Airport Terminals: If your flight is confirmed as cancelled, do not travel to the terminal. Customer service counters face long queues; rebook your flight online or via phone lines instead.
Identify Alternate Gateways: If you must travel to eastern China immediately, check flight options to Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH) or Nanjing Lukou (NKG), and take the high-speed rail to Shanghai.
Observe Transit Policies: For international passengers connecting through Shanghai Pudong (PVG), ensure you have visa-free transit eligibility or a transit visa if your layover itinerary is modified.
Manage Hotel Reservations: Notify your hotel in Shanghai or Bangkok regarding weather-related delays, as many properties offer free cancellations or date modifications during official weather alerts.

Infrastructure Impact Assessment

The cancellation of 1,300 flights highlights the vulnerability of regional aviation systems to extreme weather events.

By suspending operations early, airport groups and air traffic control centers protect passengers and fleet assets from severe crosswinds and water accumulation on runways. However, the disruptions will result in significant revenue losses for the local hospitality, retail, and transit sectors across eastern China.