Strong Earthquake in Kumamoto: China Airlines and Starlux Airlines Add Extra Flights, Waive Change Fees

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck Kumamoto, Japan, yesterday. National airlines and travel agencies have reported normal operations in the region. China Airlines (2610-TW) and Starlux Airlines (2646-TW) announced they will operate additional flights today (29th) to assist passengers stranded in Japan to return to Taiwan as soon as possible.

China Airlines stated that it will operate an additional flight CI2129 from Fukuoka to Taoyuan today using an A330 aircraft. Meanwhile, regular services CI394/CI395 (Taoyuan–Kumamoto) and CI198/CI199 (Kaohsiung–Kumamoto) will operate as scheduled. The airline will continue monitoring station conditions and adjust flight arrangements according to travel demand.

Additionally, China Airlines will waive handling fees for rebooking or refunding tickets for Kumamoto flights departing on or around August 5 to flights to Fukuoka or Kagoshima within 14 days.

Starlux Airlines confirmed all Kumamoto route flights are operating normally. To assist passengers affected by the Kumamoto earthquake, the airline has urgently deployed an extra flight JX1847 from Kumamoto to Taipei today. Passengers wishing to rebook or cancel Kumamoto flights on or around August 5 to flights to Fukuoka or Kumamoto within 14 days will not incur handling fees.

EVA Air does not operate Kumamoto routes. Its Fukuoka flights in the Kyushu region continue normal operations and have not been affected by the Kumamoto earthquake.

Regarding tour groups, Phoenix (5706-TW) reported that its current Japanese tour groups are mostly in Honshu and Tohoku regions, with no groups affected. Lion Travel (2731-TW) stated that over 400 travelers and tour leaders in Kyushu have all reported safe conditions. Both companies will continue closely monitoring the situation and prioritize passenger safety.

Furthermore, China Airlines is providing air transport resources to carry relief supplies free of charge until the end of August, fully supporting government agencies, public welfare organizations, religious groups, and relevant rescue organizations in disaster relief efforts.