China Requests Additional Direct Flight Destinations; MAC to Evaluate After Receiving April 7 Letter
China has requested the full resumption of cross-strait passenger flights. Taiwan's MAC confirmed receiving the request but noted that without Chinese group tourists, empty return flights make new routes unprofitable for airlines.
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- 📰 Published: April 16, 2026 at 18:51
- 🔍 Collected: April 16, 2026 at 19:02 (10 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 03:28 (56h 26m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(CNA Reporter Liao Wen-chi, Taipei, 16th) China recently initiated communications via the "Civil Aviation Mini-Two Associations" and sent a letter urging the prompt and full resumption of cross-strait direct passenger flights. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) confirmed today that it received the letter from the Chinese side on April 7 requesting the opening of several destinations, and Taiwan will conduct an evaluation.
China's "Cross-Strait Aviation Transport Exchange Council" recently wrote to Taiwan again through the "Taipei Airlines Association" contact channel, calling for the quick resumption of full cross-strait direct passenger flights. Under the "Cross-Strait Air Transport Agreement," routine aviation communications are handled by the "Civil Aviation Mini-Two Associations."
Liang Wen-chieh, MAC Deputy Minister and Spokesperson, confirmed at a regular press conference today that Taiwan received the letter on April 7, requesting the opening of destinations such as Urumqi and Xi'an. This coincided with Kuomintang Chairman Cheng Li-wun's visit to China, so it was expected to be part of the 10 Taiwan-related measures.
Liang said, "Naturally, after receiving the request, our side will evaluate it." He added that the negotiation and communication channels between the "Civil Aviation Mini-Two Associations" are functioning normally.
However, Liang pointed out that for airlines, the main issue is whether there are passengers for the return flight after flying people over. These requested destinations are basically tourist spots. Under the current situation where China has not opened up group tourism to Taiwan, essentially only Taiwanese tourists would fly there, leaving return flights empty. Such routes hold no appeal for airlines.
Liang further explained that many tourist destinations in China can be reached via connecting flights through Shanghai or Beijing, which offer cheaper tickets and are not irreplaceable. For instance, a direct flight from Taipei to Xi'an costs around 15,000 to 20,000 NTD, whereas a connecting flight only costs 8,000 to 12,000 NTD. As for Taiwanese businesspeople, although convenience is their top priority, their numbers are insufficient to sustain the continuous operation of a flight route.
He stated, "The issue of flight destinations must be resolved along with the issue of tourist groups. Only by guaranteeing airlines returning customers and a load factor does expanding destinations become practical." Currently, the evaluation of destinations will continue, and mutual communication and contact remain necessary. (Editor: Chiu Kuo-chiang) 1150416
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(CNA Reporter Liao Wen-chi, Taipei, 16th) China recently initiated communications via the "Civil Aviation Mini-Two Associations" and sent a letter urging the prompt and full resumption of cross-strait direct passenger flights. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) confirmed today that it received the letter from the Chinese side on April 7 requesting the opening of several destinations, and Taiwan will conduct an evaluation.
China's "Cross-Strait Aviation Transport Exchange Council" recently wrote to Taiwan again through the "Taipei Airlines Association" contact channel, calling for the quick resumption of full cross-strait direct passenger flights. Under the "Cross-Strait Air Transport Agreement," routine aviation communications are handled by the "Civil Aviation Mini-Two Associations."
Liang Wen-chieh, MAC Deputy Minister and Spokesperson, confirmed at a regular press conference today that Taiwan received the letter on April 7, requesting the opening of destinations such as Urumqi and Xi'an. This coincided with Kuomintang Chairman Cheng Li-wun's visit to China, so it was expected to be part of the 10 Taiwan-related measures.
Liang said, "Naturally, after receiving the request, our side will evaluate it." He added that the negotiation and communication channels between the "Civil Aviation Mini-Two Associations" are functioning normally.
However, Liang pointed out that for airlines, the main issue is whether there are passengers for the return flight after flying people over. These requested destinations are basically tourist spots. Under the current situation where China has not opened up group tourism to Taiwan, essentially only Taiwanese tourists would fly there, leaving return flights empty. Such routes hold no appeal for airlines.
Liang further explained that many tourist destinations in China can be reached via connecting flights through Shanghai or Beijing, which offer cheaper tickets and are not irreplaceable. For instance, a direct flight from Taipei to Xi'an costs around 15,000 to 20,000 NTD, whereas a connecting flight only costs 8,000 to 12,000 NTD. As for Taiwanese businesspeople, although convenience is their top priority, their numbers are insufficient to sustain the continuous operation of a flight route.
He stated, "The issue of flight destinations must be resolved along with the issue of tourist groups. Only by guaranteeing airlines returning customers and a load factor does expanding destinations become practical." Currently, the evaluation of destinations will continue, and mutual communication and contact remain necessary. (Editor: Chiu Kuo-chiang) 1150416
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you make is a power to protect press freedom.
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The text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.