Red Alert: Shanghai Cancels 80% of Flights as Typhoon Dolphin Makes Landfall

1. Article summary

Typhoon Dolphin made landfall in Zhejiang province on 9 August with winds of around 151 km/h, bringing heavy rain and strong winds across eastern China. Shanghai cancelled around 80% of flights, while authorities implemented widespread transport and safety restrictions as the storm approached.

The disruption extends beyond aviation, with ports, ferries and other transport services affected across the region. For businesses moving freight through Shanghai, Ningbo and surrounding manufacturing areas, the storm may result in delayed cargo movements, reduced air freight capacity and changes to vessel and transport schedules.

2. What shippers should consider

• Allow additional lead time for shipments moving through Shanghai, Zhejiang and surrounding areas while transport networks recover.
• Monitor air freight capacity, particularly through Shanghai Pudong, as widespread flight cancellations may affect available cargo space.
• Check vessel and port schedules, as weather-related closures and restrictions may create delays even after operations resume.
• Confirm supplier and collection arrangements where factories, warehouses or road transport providers are located in affected areas.
• Plan for downstream delays, as disrupted departures can affect connections and schedules beyond China.

3. Moving forward

Typhoon Dolphin is expected to weaken as it moves inland, but heavy rainfall and strong winds may continue across eastern China. Shippers should expect some disruption to persist as airports, ports and inland transport networks clear backlogs and return to normal operations.

For information specific to your freight, customs or supply chain requirements, reach out to United Carriers to discuss what this may mean for your situation.

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