Thunderstorms delay 16 flights at Taiwan's Kaohsiung Airport

Kaohsiung International Airport experienced widespread flight disruptions on Friday afternoon due to two intense thunderstorms that swept through the region.

The severe weather led to a temporary suspension of airside operations at the airport as a safety precaution. The first thunderstorm occurred between 4:39 PM and 5:03 PM, resulting in the delay of nine flights. A second, equally powerful storm hit from 5:59 PM to 6:25 PM, causing further delays for an additional seven flights.

In total, 16 flights were affected by the weather, with some aircraft reportedly circling the skies while awaiting clearance to land. Airport authorities confirmed the two separate instances of thunderstorms and the subsequent impact on flight schedules.

The delays highlight the vulnerability of air travel to extreme weather events. While the airport resumed normal operations after the storms passed, the disruptions caused inconvenience to passengers and crew.