Matsu Air Transport Full, Sea Transport Suspended; 4 Military Aircraft Help Evacuate 280 People

(Central News Agency, Taipei, 16th, Reporters Huang Chiao-wen, Pan Hsin-tung) Due to full air transport and suspended sea services, the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) activated Transport Plan C today. The Ministry of National Defense dispatched 4 military aircraft in 3 hours, carrying 280 military personnel and civilians from Matsu to Taiwan. The CAA reminds travelers to plan their trips early due to recent volatile weather on the outlying islands.

The Lienchiang County Government's Transportation and Tourism Bureau pointed out that due to heavy fog in the Matsu area yesterday, the Nangan and Beigan airports temporarily suspended takeoffs and landings, leading to some flight cancellations and stranded passengers. As of 5:30 PM today, it is estimated that nearly a hundred passengers are still stranded.

The Civil Aeronautics Administration stated via a message that due to full air transport and suspended sea services in Matsu today, Transport Plan C was activated, requesting military aircraft support from the military to help evacuate Matsu passengers.

The CAA noted that from 11:50 AM to 2:58 PM, a period of about 3 hours, the Ministry of National Defense dispatched a total of 4 military aircraft to assist in the evacuation, carrying a total of 280 military and civilian personnel to Taiwan.

Due to the recent volatile weather on the outlying islands, the CAA reminds passengers to plan their trips early and to pay attention to weather changes and flight schedule updates. (Editor: Huang Ming-hsi) 1150516