The Japan Guides

Storm Mekkhala Cancels 120+ Flights: Okinawa and Kagoshima Hit

· 2 min read Travel News
Okinawa coastline under heavy storm clouds

Contents

  1. Scale of Cancellations
  2. Routes Most Affected
  3. What to Do

Tropical Storm Mekkhala struck southwestern Japan on 21 July 2026 with wind speeds of approximately 144 km/h, causing widespread flight cancellations at airports across Okinawa, Kagoshima, and Fukuoka. Disruption is continuing into 22 July.

Scale of Cancellations

Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) together cancelled more than 120 flights on 21 July. Fukuoka Airport recorded at least 21 cancellations, while Hiroshima Airport was also affected. On 22 July, carriers are reporting:

  • 538 domestic delays across affected airports
  • 55 further cancellations on routes serving the storm-affected region
  • Services by Korean Air and Jeju Air on transboundary routes into and out of southern Japan have also been disrupted

Naha Airport (Okinawa) and Kagoshima Airport bore the brunt of closures on 21 July. Both airports are currently operating with reduced capacity while ground crews assess conditions.

Routes Most Affected

Routes connecting the main island of Honshu with Okinawa and Kagoshima prefecture - including shuttle services between Tokyo Haneda, Osaka Itami, and these southern destinations - have seen the most cancellations. If you are transiting through any southern Japanese airport today, check your connecting service before travelling to the terminal.

What to Do

  • Check your flight status directly with JAL or ANA before going to the airport. Both carriers are offering fee-free rebooking for affected services.
  • Okinawa visitors: Sea conditions will remain rough for 24–48 hours. Island-hopping ferry services and snorkelling excursions may also be suspended.
  • Kagoshima and southern Kyushu: Road and rail services may experience residual delays from storm damage. Allow additional travel time.

Conditions across the region are expected to improve by 23–24 July as the storm tracks northward and weakens. Monitor Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) updates for the latest storm track and warnings. If your international flight was cancelled or significantly delayed due to the disruption, FlightRights can assess your eligibility for compensation and handle the claim on your behalf.