Shanghai's two major airports, Pudong and Hongqiao, mobilized extra resources to assist stranded travelers, coordinate flight rescheduling and provide essential services to cope with cancellation of flights on Sunday due to Typhoon Dolphin, the 13th typhoon of the year.
At Pudong International Airport, passenger volumes were relatively light after many cancellations were announced the previous night. But as winds picked up, additional flights were called off throughout the day.
"We are a group of 12 flying to Dalian, and we were only told our flight was canceled right as we were about to check in. But because it's due to weather factors, we understand," said a traveler.
Airlines on site issued updated flight adjustment notices and opened dedicated counters to handle ticket refunds and rescheduling.
"We have arranged dedicated staff to guide and safely disperse travelers. Depending on the travelers' situations, we are also making appropriate accommodation arrangements, particularly for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, the sick and pregnant women," said Cao Ming, director of the check-in office at Shanghai Pudong ground service department at China Southern Airlines.
Many travelers who had completed ticket changes left the terminals. A smaller number of foreign passengers remained because their bookings were made through overseas platforms, who had failed to have immediate contacts with airlines. Airport service center staff quickly stepped in to help.
"I should have flown to Chongqing, but the flight has been canceled. The problem is that I have another flight to Milan. They are rearranging our flights and helping us with the train tickets from the new airport station and that's a very good help. We've been lucky to find them here," said a traveler from Italy.
In addition, the airport added temporary free rest areas with charging outlets inside terminals, while restaurants and retail stores inside the terminals increased supplies of hot meals, drinking water, snacks and daily necessities.
Shanghai airports step up passenger support as hundreds of flights canceled due to typhoon
