HANOI -- The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has canceled ten flights from Vietnam to China's Hong Kong and Taiwan due to Typhoon Haima.

Accordingly, as many as six flights scheduled to leave Vietnam's capital Hanoi and southern Ho Chi Minh City for Hong Kong on Thursday evening and Friday have been canceled. Extra flights will be provided on Saturday, said the airlines.

Earlier, a total of four flights arriving and departing from Taiwan on Thursday were also delayed.

As Typhoon Haima edges closer to Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Observatory issued the No. 8 Northwest Gale or Storm Signal at 6.10 am HKT on Friday, bringing transport and public services to a standstill.