SIA Flights Between Singapore and Tokyo Disrupted Due to Typhoon Ampil

Multiple Singapore Airlines (SIA) flights between Singapore and Tokyo are experiencing disruptions as Typhoon Ampil is set to impact Japan from August 15 to 17.

In response to inquiries from Mothership, an SIA spokesperson confirmed that the airline will reach out to affected customers to notify them of changes to their flight schedules. According to The Japan Times, the typhoon is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the Izu Islands and coastal regions of Kanto and Tohoku, areas closely associated with Tokyo.

Affected Flights on August 16
The spokesperson noted that the adverse weather conditions have impacted several flights to and from Tokyo, and affected passengers can request to be re-accommodated on alternative flights or seek a full refund for the unused portion of their tickets. The following flights are affected on August 16:

To/from Tokyo (Narita)

SQ11: Tokyo (Narita) to Singapore
SQ12: Singapore to Tokyo (Narita)
To/from Tokyo (Haneda)

SQ632: Singapore to Tokyo (Haneda Airport)
SQ633: Tokyo (Haneda Airport) to Singapore
SQ634: Singapore to Tokyo (Haneda Airport)
SQ635: Tokyo (Haneda Airport) to Singapore
The SIA spokesperson emphasized that customer and crew safety is the airline’s top priority. SIA will continue to closely monitor the situation and make necessary adjustments. The airline also apologized for any inconvenience caused.

Impact on Travel in Japan
As reported by The Japan Times, while landfalls are less likely, strong winds and rough seas are expected, with some areas predicted to experience 200mm of rainfall within a 24-hour period. Typhoon Ampil is expected to be closest to the Kanto and Tohoku regions on August 16.

As of noon on August 15, the typhoon was moving north at 20 km/h with a central pressure of 970 hectopascals. The Izu Islands may face maximum sustained winds of 144 km/h and gusts up to 216 km/h throughout August 15, while the Kanto and Tokai regions could see maximum sustained winds of 54 km/h and gusts of 90 km/h.

Heavy rainfall is likely to continue until August 17, with the Kanto and Tohoku regions potentially receiving an additional 200mm through noon. The Japan Meteorological Agency has urged residents in affected areas to remain vigilant for strong winds, high waves, landslides, and flooding, particularly in low-lying regions.

The typhoon has also led to significant disruptions in summer travel plans across Japan, with flights and train services either cancelled or affected. The Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) announced that all services on the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train line between Tokyo and Nagoya will be cancelled on August 16, while the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) has indicated potential service suspensions and delays on some Shinkansen lines. Approximately 500 flights by All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines serving Haneda and Narita Airports will also be cancelled on August 16. The typhoon is expected to weaken into a tropical storm by August 18 as it moves into the eastern seas of Japan.