Will a Large Wave of Mainland Chinese Tourists Come to Taiwan? Starting July 23, 'Direct Flights to 2 Cities Unleashed' – 4 Major Airlines Officially Launch, Latest Routes Revealed

The summer travel season has driven rising demand for international travel, bringing Taichung International Airport to a new peak in route expansion. In addition to China Eastern Airlines resuming direct flights from Taichung to Chengdu, Shandong Airlines will launch a new route to Qingdao, and Loong Air will also enter the Chengdu market. On the Japan-Okinawa route, China Airlines will join operations. As cross-strait and Northeast Asian air networks continue to expand, travelers from central Taiwan will have more direct flight options, potentially boosting Taichung International Airport’s passenger volume and international visibility.

Taichung International Airport adds multiple new routes for summer – easier international travel for central Taiwan residents

With the summer travel rush underway, Taichung International Airport has recently welcomed several new routes. Whether for cross-strait direct flights or popular Japanese destinations, airlines are expanding services, allowing residents in central Taiwan to travel abroad without needing to go specifically to Taoyuan or Kaohsiung, significantly saving travel and transfer time.

The most anticipated development is Shandong Airlines launching the 'Taichung–Qingdao' scheduled flight on July 23. China Eastern Airlines has already resumed direct flights from Taichung to Chengdu starting July 1, and Loong Air has announced it will enter the Chengdu route market on July 28. Additionally, China Airlines will join operations on the Taichung–Okinawa route, further increasing flight options for summer travel to Japan.

Qingdao, Chengdu, and Okinawa launch in succession – Taichung’s international air network continues to expand

This summer, Taichung International Airport has seen new developments on both cross-strait and Northeast Asian routes. China Eastern Airlines resumed direct flights from Taichung to Chengdu Tianfu Airport on July 1, operating two fixed flights per week, making it a key direct route between Taichung and Sichuan Province.

Next, Shandong Airlines will launch direct flights from Taichung to Qingdao starting July 23, operating until October 24, with one weekly flight on Thursdays. Qingdao is famous for its coastal scenery, beer culture, and historic architecture. The new route will provide new transportation options for tourism, visiting relatives, and business exchanges.

Beyond the cross-strait market, Japanese routes are also expanding. China Airlines will join scheduled flights on the Taichung–Okinawa route starting July 21 and plans to add summer charter flights from August 13, working alongside existing carriers Starlux Airlines and Tigerair Taiwan to offer more departure times and make it easier for travelers to plan their vacations.

Loong Air enters Chengdu route – two airlines now offering direct flights to Sichuan

In addition to China Eastern Airlines, according to information from the aviation route website AeroRoutes, Loong Air will launch the Taichung to Chengdu Tianfu Airport route on July 28, operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays. This makes it the second mainland Chinese airline to offer direct service from Taichung to Chengdu.

Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Hangzhou, Loong Air is a private airline based in Zhejiang Province, primarily operating domestic Chinese and select international routes. It operates a full-service model, offering free checked baggage and in-flight meals, and is not a low-cost carrier.

The Chengdu route will likely use Airbus A320 series aircraft, further diversifying flight options between Taichung and Sichuan.

July cross-strait new and resumed routes – summary

With rising summer travel demand, multiple cross-strait direct routes have resumed or launched in July, covering major airports in central and southern Taiwan.

- China Eastern Airlines: Taichung–Chengdu Tianfu, launched July 1, weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays - Spring Airlines: Kaohsiung–Ningbo Lishe, launched July 4, weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays - Shandong Airlines: Taichung–Qingdao, launched July 23, weekly on Thursdays - Loong Air: Taichung–Chengdu Tianfu, launched July 28, weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays

Sichuan offers rich tourism resources – Chengdu a popular gateway destination

With increased direct flights to Chengdu, it has become more convenient for Taiwanese travelers to visit western China.

Chengdu is not only a major transportation hub in Sichuan Province but also a key gateway to famous scenic spots such as Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong. It is also home to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base and renowned for its spicy hot pot and Sichuan cuisine, making it a familiar and popular destination among Taiwanese tourists.

With more flight options, travelers can now transfer through Chengdu to various scenic areas in Sichuan, allowing for more flexible travel planning.

Taichung continues to expand its international air network, improving outbound convenience for central Taiwan

In recent years, Taichung City Government has actively promoted the development of Taichung International Airport’s route network. With the addition of multiple new cross-strait and Japanese flights for summer, travelers in central Taiwan can now depart directly from Taichung, reducing the inconvenience of intercity travel for flights.

Beyond improving outbound convenience for residents, the new routes also increase opportunities for international travelers to fly directly into central Taiwan, further boosting tourism and business exchanges and expanding Taichung International Airport’s route network.