Will a Large Number of Mainland Chinese Tourists Come to Taiwan? On July 28, Direct Flights to One City Resume Fully as Two Airlines Restart Services — View the Latest Routes

Taichung International Airport is actively restoring international and cross-strait flight routes, marking new progress in cross-strait air connectivity. Zhejiang Changlong Airlines plans to officially launch direct flights from Taichung to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport on July 28, becoming the second mainland Chinese airline to offer direct service between Taichung and Chengdu after other carriers. The route will operate every Tuesday and Saturday, providing more travel options for passengers in central Taiwan. In addition to the upcoming Chengdu route, China Eastern Airlines has already resumed its regular Taichung-Qingdao flights starting July 1. As more routes join operations, Taichung International Airport's network coverage is gradually expanding. What are the key thresholds set by Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) for approving cross-strait routes? What two conditions must be met for approval? Addressing public curiosity about the specific criteria for approving new cross-strait routes amid current political dynamics, MAC Deputy Minister David Lee provided a clear response during a press briefing on the 23rd. Lee explained that the review process for mainland airlines' route applications focuses on two core prerequisites. First, the proposed destination must be one officially designated by the Taiwanese government as an approved direct-flight destination. For example, Chengdu's inclusion in Changlong Airlines' announcement falls within the list of approved direct-flight cities. Second, flight frequency must comply with total quota controls and remain within the allocated air rights. How is the air rights quota calculated, and how do mainland airlines obtain operational eligibility? Lee further illustrated the mechanism: Taiwan currently allocates a total of 209 weekly flights to mainland Chinese carriers. As long as there are remaining slots after deducting existing flights, mainland airlines may apply for new routes or additional frequencies. Lee added that in addition to meeting Taiwan's requirements regarding approved destinations and quota limits, the civil aviation authority on the mainland must also formally allocate the corresponding air rights to the airline—such as authorizing Changlong Airlines to operate the Taichung route. Once all conditions are satisfied, the MAC and relevant authorities will proceed with approval according to established legal procedures.