China Airlines made an announcement on September 12 that it intends to launch flights to Chiang Mai in Thailand, from January 20, 2023.
The China-owned flag carrier revealed the flights to Chiang Mai and Cebu are part of the airline’s plan to attract more transit passengers to change flights in Taiwan on their way to Europe and the United States. The impact of the pandemic in Southeast Asia has left these once tourist hotspots in disarray as restrictions are finally eased.
The airline is particularly targeting non-capital routes to somewhat advertise other regions of China as well as Southeast Asia. The demand for leisure has peaked over the summer as home office is the new norm and many people are able to relocate to more tropical destinations during the winter period in the west.
The airline also revealed that the number of its flights will increase by 30%, with those to Southeast Asia rising by 50% in the final quarter of this year.
Additional new routes with China Airlines
China Airlines added that in early 2023, 17 destinations would be available in Southeast Asia, including flights to Cebu in the Philippines, Bali, Australia, and New Zealand.
Flights with the Airbus A321neo between Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and Cebu City, the second-largest city in the Philippines, will start on December 1st this winter.
Sydney to Taipei and Melbourne to Taipei will be increased from their current two flights a week to three flights a week in October and November and four times a week in December.
Brisbane to Taipei will increase from one flight a week to three starting next month, while a flight to Auckland will be added to the Brisbane service every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday between October and December 2022.
The flights to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane all feature the modern Airbus A350.
Does this make travel routes in Southeast Asia more connected to international travellers? Comment below on the new route development.
