Typhoon Matmo Disrupts Taiwan Air Travel, Starlux Cancels Flights

Airlines adjust schedules as Typhoon Matmo approaches, impacting travel between Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Taiwan's Starlux Airlines has announced the cancellation of two round-trip flights scheduled for Sunday, October 4th, due to the anticipated arrival of Typhoon Matmo. The affected routes include a flight between Taipei and Hong Kong, as well as a flight between Taipei and Macau.

Specifically, flight JX233, originally set to depart from Taoyuan International Airport for Hong Kong International Airport at 8 a.m. on Sunday, and its corresponding return flight JX234 at 11:20 a.m., have been canceled. Additionally, flights JX201 and JX202, which were scheduled to fly from Taoyuan to Macau at 8:05 a.m. and return at 11 a.m., have also been grounded.

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) in Taiwan reported that Typhoon Matmo strengthened from a tropical storm into a typhoon at 8 a.m. on Saturday. As of 2 p.m. that day, the typhoon was located over waters approximately 460 kilometers south-southeast of Hong Kong and 710 kilometers southwest of Cape Eluanbi, Taiwan's southernmost point.

The CWA indicated that Matmo is currently moving west-northwest at a speed of 23 kilometers per hour, with its trajectory aimed towards China's Hainan Island. The typhoon is experiencing sustained winds of 126 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 162 kilometers per hour.

The approaching typhoon is also expected to cause disruptions to China's week-long National Day holiday, which spans from October 1st to October 8th.

Starlux Airlines is advising passengers to monitor their website or contact customer service centers for the most up-to-date information regarding flight status and any potential further adjustments.