Taoyuan Airport Enacts Major New Regulation! Strict Enforcement Begins August 1 with Fines up to NT$25,000 – Full Details on Latest Enforcement Rules

With global travel rebounding strongly, the number of international and group tourists arriving in Taiwan has significantly increased. However, Taoyuan International Airport’s arrival hall has long faced security and image issues due to pick-up personnel occupying space. Many travel agencies and hotel staff habitually reserve prime spots by placing pick-up signs, luggage, or personal items along the low walls near immigration exits. This practice not only obstructs passenger flow and damages the terminal’s appearance but has repeatedly triggered disputes over space claims.

To completely eliminate pick-up chaos and uphold the nation’s gateway image, Taoyuan Airport Company has announced a firm stance: starting immediately, it will conduct patrols and awareness campaigns, with formal penalties to be enforced from August 1. Violators will face fines of up to NT$25,000 and may be forcibly removed by aviation police.

Ending Gateway Chaos: Taoyuan Airport Cracks Down on Space-Hogging

Taoyuan Airport Company emphasized that the arrival hall is a public thoroughfare, and any act of occupying space with items or blocking pathways severely disrupts terminal operations and Taiwan’s international image. The company has already formally notified major travel agencies and hotels, urging staff to strictly regulate their conduct.

A two-phase enforcement timeline has been established. From now until July 31 is designated as the "Enhanced Guidance Period." During this time, airport personnel will conduct random inspections and provide verbal warnings to those placing signs or stacking luggage to reserve spots, giving businesses a buffer to adjust their pick-up operations.

Strict Enforcement Begins August 1: Civil Aviation Act Cited, Fines Up to NT$25,000

After the guidance period ends, Taoyuan Airport Company will strictly enforce penalties starting August 1. Pick-up service staff who continue to illegally occupy wall passages and fail to comply after on-site warnings will be immediately fined:

- Legal Basis: Enforcement under Article 119-3, Paragraph 1 of the Civil Aviation Act - Fine Amount: NT$5,000 to NT$25,000 - Enforcement Action: For severe violations or non-cooperation, the airport company will coordinate with the Aviation Police Bureau (APB) to forcibly remove violators from the airport premises.

Industry Voices Concerns Over Space Scarcity During Peak Hours, Recommends Dedicated Zones and Standardized Rules

Regarding the new regulation, travel industry professional Li Chi-yueh acknowledged that during peak arrival times, pick-up staff often face the real challenge of "nowhere to stand." This has led some同行 to reserve spots using large items or luggage.

Li stated that while compliance with order is essential, from a practical standpoint, if the airport could establish a "dedicated pick-up staff zone" and implement standardized management of pick-up signs, it would better balance terminal order with actual operational needs—offering a fundamental solution.

In closing, Taoyuan Airport Company urged that while providing high-quality pick-up service is important, it must never come at the expense of public passage rights. It called on all travel agencies, hotels, and shuttle services to strictly manage their on-site staff and jointly uphold the order and international image of the nation’s gateway to avoid penalties.