Taiwan-Japan Route Affected by EVA Flight Cancellations

Passengers who planned to travel between Taiwan and Japan were most affected by a decision made by EVA Air, one of Taiwan's biggest carriers, to cancel 50 flights Sunday after over 500 of its flight attendants applied to take a typhoon day off that day.

The cancellations affected 10,000 passengers, including 590 Japan-bound travelers unable to embark on their trips and 808 home-bound travelers who wanted to return to Taiwan but were stranded in Japan, according to Tourism Bureau statistics.

The airline said in a statement that the 500 crew members applied for a typhoon day off in line with regulations at around 4 a.m. Sunday after all cities and counties in Taiwan announced school and office closures for that day.

Typhoon Nesat swept through the country the previous night and as a result, passengers due to depart from Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport were affected, leaving the airport packed with disgruntled passengers.

Several travel agencies were forced to cancel their group tours, including Lion Travel Service.

Meanwhile, EVA Air said it will do its utmost to help solve the problems, including talking with other airlines to help transport affected passengers.