Typhoon “Dolphin”: How Weather Catastrophes Change Russian Tourists’ Plans in Shanghai

What happened in Shanghai?

In early August the coastal districts of Shanghai were hit by the strongest weather alert of the season – the red level. Wind gusts reached about 45 m/s and rain fell far heavier than a typical downpour. More than 30 000 residents had to be evacuated, and the city’s port was shut to shipping at least until mid‑week.

How did it affect air transport?

Airlines that operate direct flights between Russia and Shanghai were forced to scramble their schedules. China Eastern delayed flight MU248 (Moscow‑Shanghai) by almost nine hours, MU592 by roughly twenty‑one hours, and cancelled MU6020 altogether. Aeroflot pushed back SU208 (Moscow‑Shanghai) by eight hours, while SU209 (Shanghai‑Moscow) ended up on the cancellation list.

According to the Association of Tour Operators (ATOR), by 9 August the two biggest Shanghai airports – Pudong and Hongqiao – had scrapped more than 1 300 flights. Pudong alone saw close to 900 cancellations; Hongqiao over 500. During the heaviest downpours Pudong cancelled up to 77 % of its domestic departures, Hongqiao up to 95 % of arrivals. The neighbouring Zhejiang province (Hangzhou) also lost about 270 flights.

What are tour operators doing?

The flight cancellations and delays hit groups that were about to set off straight away. Operators began reshuffling itineraries on the fly: some flights are being replaced with train connections, and tourists stranded in Shanghai are being placed in hotels. In a few cases the operators offer full compensation; in the rest they rebook travelers for later dates.

Alternative ways to get around

When planes can’t take off, the railway becomes a lifeline. Trains from major Chinese cities such as Beijing and Xi’an keep running to Shanghai, letting tourists reach their destination without long waits. Tickets can often be bought the same day, which smooths the re‑booking process.

The cruise sector also felt the impact

The closure of Shanghai’s port hit cruise lines hard. Ships that had planned to call at Shanghai are either cancelling or postponing, and they are offering passengers hotel accommodation, full refunds and discounts of up to 50 % on future cruises. For those already on board, temporary hotel placement is being arranged if needed.

How to protect your interests?

If your flight is cancelled you are entitled to a ticket refund or a re‑booking without extra fees. Tour operators must provide alternative lodging and, if necessary, transport to that lodging. Travelers planning to depart in the next few days should check the flight status right before leaving and keep an eye on updates from the airline.

Why does this matter for Russian tourists?

Shanghai has become one of the top destinations for Russians, especially after the visa‑free regime was introduced. Consequently, any hiccup in air links immediately affects a large flow of visitors. Since the region is prone to strong typhoons, it’s wise to factor possible weather deviations into any travel plan.

Practical recommendations

• Watch the forecast: China’s official meteorological services issue warnings a few days before a typhoon arrives.
• Check your flight: 24 hours before departure confirm the ticket status on the airline’s website or app.
• Insurance: get a policy that covers flight cancellations and unexpected accommodation costs.
• Stay flexible: if your itinerary includes several flights, line up backup options (train, bus).
• Contact the tour operator: keep their phone numbers handy so you can quickly agree on changes.

Bottom line

Typhoon “Dolphin” showed how quickly the situation in a megacity can shift. Flights, cruise ships and even ground transport can be threatened. Yet coordinated actions by airlines, tour operators and railway companies mean most tourists receive the help they need – from re‑booking to free lodging. When planning a trip to Shanghai, expect the occasional extreme weather, keep current information at hand and be ready for minor route tweaks.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru, atorus.ru.