This blog post explains how Typhoon Ragasa has disrupted tens of thousands of travellers by forcing hundreds of flight cancellations across East Asia and beyond. It outlines what passengers can expect in terms of rights, refunds and practical steps.
Drawing on decades of experience in travel and transport policy, I’ll summarize what airlines and holiday providers are—and are not—obliged to do. I will offer clear actions you can take if your journey is affected.
Typhoon Ragasa: scope of disruption and immediate effects
Typhoons like Ragasa create widespread, often unpredictable disruption to flight schedules across East Asia and connecting long-haul services. When airlines cancel flights on a large scale, the immediate concerns for travellers are rebooking, accommodation, meals and the ability to complete onward journeys.
How passenger rights vary depending on airline and origin
Passenger protections depend primarily on the carrier’s legal obligations and where the journey originates. For travellers departing from Europe on UK or EU airlines, the rules are clear: carriers must provide assistance at no extra cost and arrange alternative transport where necessary.
This can include rebooking onto another flight—even on a different airline—if that is the only way to get passengers to their destination.
Key entitlements for flights departing Europe on UK/EU carriers include:
- Alternative transport at no extra cost until you reach your destination.
- Meals and hotel accommodation when overnight stays are required due to cancellations.
- Care for long-haul connections, including routes such as Europe to Hong Kong or Europe to Australasia via China.
Non-European carriers and voluntary support
It’s important to understand that non-European carriers are not automatically bound by UK/EU passenger rights when flights originate outside their regulatory area. This creates variation in the level of support travellers receive.
What to expect from carriers like Cathay Pacific
Non-European airlines (for example, Cathay Pacific) are not legally required to offer the same package of care as UK or EU carriers. Many do provide assistance voluntarily—especially during major weather events.
That assistance, however, can differ by airline and by the contractual terms under which you booked.
Package holidays, independent bookings and accommodation
The way you booked your trip matters when cancellations occur. Package holiday rules provide stronger consumer protections than individual reservations.
Refunds and responsibilities for tour operators and independent bookings
If you booked a package holiday through a UK or EU tour operator, you are entitled to a full refund when the trip is cancelled. The tour operator is responsible for customer care during disruptions, including arranging alternatives or compensation where applicable.
For independently booked components—such as separate flights, hotels or activities—you must negotiate changes or refunds directly with each provider.
Tip: Keep all booking reference numbers and correspondence; these are essential when claiming refunds or lodging complaints.
Airbnb policy and travel insurance
Accommodation platforms and insurance policies provide additional avenues for relief but they come with conditions.
Airbnb’s Major Disruptive Events Policy and insurance cover
Airbnb’s “Major Disruptive Events Policy” allows guests to cancel and receive refunds or credits in qualifying circumstances such as severe weather.
Travel insurance can also bridge gaps—covering losses that airlines or providers don’t reimburse—so long as your policy includes coverage for weather-related cancellations and you comply with documentation and notification requirements.
Practical checklist for affected travellers:
- Contact your airline or tour operator immediately to learn about rebooking or compensation options.
- Keep receipts for meals, accommodation and transport—these may be needed for claims.
- Check your travel insurance policy for weather-related cover and file claims promptly.
- If you booked independently, reach out to hotels, activity providers and platforms (like Airbnb) to request refunds or date changes.
Here is the source article for this story: Typhoon Ragasa: Your rights if a flight or holiday is cancelled due to severe weather