Typhoon Champi Japan Alert: Okinawa, Ishigaki & Miyako, 21–24 Oct

As of 24 Oct 2026, 08:31 (UTC+7) / 10:31 Japan time

By TravelyData Editorial Team

Update, 24 October

JAL’s notice issued at 10:00 Japan time on 24 October lists Okinawa Naha, Miyako, Ishigaki and other airports (the full list, in JAL’s order: Yakushima, Kikaijima, Tokunoshima, Okinoerabu, Yoron, Kitadaito, Okinawa Naha, Miyako and Ishigaki) as affected by Typhoon Champi that day. JAL says decisions on flights depend on the latest weather information.

ANA’s fee-free change and refund window for Okinawa (Naha) flights now runs from 00:00 on 22 October to 23:59 on 24 October. Miyako and Ishigaki are also covered; check ANA’s notice for the exact dates. The weather details further down are from the 20 October forecast and are kept for reference.

Typhoon Champi, Japan’s Typhoon No. 30 of 2026, is heading for the waters near Okinawa. Japan’s weather officials say the Sakishima Islands (the Miyako and Yaeyama groups, including Ishigaki) need to be on alert for high waves with swell from Wednesday 21 October and for storm-force winds around 23–24 October. ANA has opened a free change and refund window for Miyako, Ishigaki and Naha flights.

At a glance

What Japan’s weather officials said on 20 October

In its forecast overview issued at 10:40 Japan time on 20 October, the Okinawa Meteorological Observatory described Typhoon No. 30 as large and very strong, east of the Philippines and moving west-northwest. For Wednesday 21 October it expects strong north-easterly winds and rough seas around Okinawa Main Island.

Further south-west, conditions look rougher. JMA’s local observatories forecast very rough seas around Miyako (Miyakojima observatory) and rough to very rough seas around the Yaeyama Islands, including Ishigaki (Ishigakijima observatory), on 21 October.

According to NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster, weather officials say the Sakishima Islands need to be on alert for high waves with swell from 21 October, and for storm-force winds around 23–24 October.

Forecasts can change quickly. Check the JMA typhoon map for the latest track, and JMA’s multilingual warnings page for warnings in English.

Who is affected

• Travellers to Miyako and the Yaeyama Islands (Ishigaki and nearby islands) from 21 October, especially around 23–24 October.
• Anyone planning boat trips, diving or ferry island-hopping. Rough seas can disrupt boat services, so check with the operator each day.
• Travellers flying via Naha on 22–24 October, which ANA’s waiver also covers.
• Beach and coastal visitors. High waves with swell can be dangerous even before the wind picks up.

ANA’s free change and refund window

ANA’s notice, updated at 11:45 Japan time on 22 October, says ANA tickets can be changed or refunded without fees, regardless of the actual flight status:

ANA notes that codeshare flights operated by other airlines are not included. The waiver does not mean these flights are cancelled. If you fly with another airline, check that airline’s own notices.

What to do now

1. Decide early if your dates are flexible. With an ANA ticket in the windows above, you can move or refund it without fees.
2. Check your flight status every day, and again before you leave for the airport.
3. Plan for an extra night. Choose rooms you can cancel or extend.
4. Stay away from the coast during high waves, including beaches, sea walls and harbour edges, and follow local instructions.
5. Confirm ferries and tours directly each morning.
6. Keep your phone charged, carry a power bank and download offline maps.
7. Continuing to Taiwan or elsewhere? Check that country’s weather agency too (for Taiwan, the Central Weather Administration).
8. Set up mobile data before you leave for the airport or port, so airline updates and rebooking messages reach you on the way. Choose a Japan eSIM plan

Staying connected while plans change

During a typhoon, most updates reach you on your phone: airline apps, rebooking links, ferry notices and JMA warnings. If you have not set up mobile data yet, you can install a Japan eSIM before you fly, while you are still on Wi-Fi, so you are not relying on hotel or airport Wi-Fi when schedules change. Always follow official instructions first.

For other disruptions we are tracking, see our weekly travel disruptions roundup.

Official sources

• JMA typhoon information (map)
• JMA warnings in English and other languages
• JMA forecasts: Okinawa Main Island, Miyako, Yaeyama/Ishigaki
• ANA: handling of airline tickets (typhoon)
• JAL: domestic flight information

FAQ

Are flights at Ishigaki, Miyako and Naha affected on 24 October?

Yes. JAL’s 10:00 Japan-time notice on 24 October lists Okinawa Naha, Miyako and Ishigaki among the airports affected by Typhoon Champi that day. Check your airline’s flight status before you travel.

Can I change my ANA flight to Naha for free?

Yes, for ANA tickets on flights at Okinawa (Naha) from 00:00 on 22 October to 23:59 on 24 October, regardless of the actual flight status. Miyako and Ishigaki flights are also covered; check ANA’s notice for dates. Codeshare flights operated by other airlines are not included.

Where can I follow official updates in English?

Use JMA’s multilingual warnings page and the JMA typhoon map, and check your airline’s website or app.

This article is for travel planning only and is not official guidance. Always follow instructions from local authorities.

Photo: Planes at New Ishigaki Airport, Okinawa. Syced / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0