Flights canceled, rescheduled as Typhoon Krathon approaches Taiwan

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - Several airlines have canceled or rescheduled flights as Typhoon Krathon is forecast to turn toward Taiwan, local media reported on Monday.

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways has canceled flights to and from Taiwan from Tuesday through Friday, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency.

Taiwan's Starlux Airlines has also rescheduled international flights due to weather conditions. Domestic flight operations are expected to face more significant disruptions starting Tuesday as the island braces for the typhoon.

Local carriers Mandarin Airlines and UNI Air have canceled several domestic flights, mainly those serving eastern Taiwan.

The storm’s center was located 170 kilometers (105 miles) south-southwest of Pingtung's Cape Eluanbi, Taiwan’s southernmost tip, as of Monday night. Moving west-northwest at 6 kilometers per hour (3.7 mph), the storm packed maximum sustained winds of 173 kph (107.4 mph), with gusts reaching up to 209 kph (129.9 mph), according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration.

Krathon is expected to be the second typhoon to make landfall in Taiwan this year. The first, Typhoon Gaemi, struck the island in July, killing more than 10 people.