Severe thunderstorms and regional airspace restrictions combined to cause major flight disruptions at Tokyo Haneda Airport from 19 August 2026, with effects continuing through 20–21 August. The disruption is part of a broader Asia-wide aviation gridlock that logged 4,147 delays and 247 cancellations across 25 major hubs on 19 August alone.
What Happened at Haneda
Thunderstorms struck Haneda on 19 August, causing widespread damage and significant cancellations. ANA reported 116 delays at Tokyo Haneda and a further 24 at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido. The disruption was compounded by regional airspace restrictions linked to temporary civil airspace closures across parts of Asia, which created knock-on delays for aircraft transiting through the region.
As of 21 August, Haneda Airport is working to clear the backlog. Recovery is ongoing but incomplete — passengers checking in for flights today should allow extra time and verify current status directly with their airline before travelling to the airport.
Who Is Affected
Travellers on ANA, JAL, and international carriers connecting through Tokyo are most likely to see residual delays. Domestic routes connecting Haneda to Sapporo (Chitose), Osaka (Itami), Fukuoka, and Okinawa (Naha) were among those affected on 19 August. International routes should be confirmed with individual airlines.
What to Do Now
- Check your airline app or website for the latest status on your specific flight before leaving for the airport
- Allow extra time at check-in — ground handling is still under pressure as staff work through the backlog
- Contact your airline directly if your flight was cancelled to understand rebooking options; most carriers are waiving change fees for affected dates
- If you hold travel insurance, keep records of delay notifications — documentation will support any claim for meals, accommodation, or rebooking costs
Real-Time Tracking
Current arrivals, departures, delays, and cancellations at Haneda are listed in real time on the Haneda Airport official delays page.