Typhoon Noul threatens air cargo at 36 South China airports
Apex Logistics has urged shippers to consider alternative routing and transport modes for time-sensitive cargo as flight schedules remain uncertain through the week.
Typhoon Noul is set to cause widespread flight delays and cancellations across southern China and Hong Kong, severely disrupting regional air cargo operations between Saturday, 25 July and Tuesday, 28 July, according to Apex Logistics.
Apex Logistics said major cargo hubs including Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and Hong Kong International Airport face a growing risk of cancellations on inbound and outbound cargo flights as the typhoon approaches. The company said ground handling, warehousing intake and cargo loading are also expected to face delays as severe weather plans are activated across affected airports. Carriers are adjusting schedules at short notice, which Apex Logistics said is creating rolling delays for connecting global supply chains.
According to a report by South, VariFlight has forecast that 36 airports across southern China could be affected between 25 and 28 July, with Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao'an, Hong Kong International, Zhuhai Jinwan, Jieyang Chaoshan and Xiamen Gaoqi among the first airports likely to be hit from Friday.
The report added that Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has activated its severe weather contingency plan ahead of the storm, with its operations control centre coordinating around the clock with air traffic control to monitor weather developments and issue timely alerts to airport stakeholders. Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport said the storm's track remains uncertain and that it will work with airlines and air traffic control to continuously assess weather conditions and adjust flight schedules when necessary, South reported.
Apex Logistics said Tropical Cyclone Noul has intensified into a typhoon and is forecast to move across the northeastern South China Sea, with landfall possible between the Guangdong and Fujian coastline over the weekend. The company said weather agencies have reported increasing winds, rough sea conditions and heavy rainfall across South China, Hong Kong and parts of Taiwan, which is driving the disruption to flight schedules and airport operations.
Cathay Pacific, in a notice on 25 July, confirmed that a number of its flights this weekend had been cancelled or delayed as the typhoon approached Hong Kong, and said it is rebooking affected customers onto the next available flights.
Apex Logistics has recommended that shippers take proactive steps to manage the impact on time-sensitive air cargo. These include preparing for potential schedule changes and cancellations, and considering alternative routing or transport modes, including air-sea solutions, for urgent shipments. The company also advised reviewing inventory requirements and prioritising critical shipments accordingly, given the uncertainty over the storm's track and duration.
