TAOYUAN (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) acknowledged shortcomings on Monday (March 4) concerning flight delays due to annual maintenance at Taoyuan International Airport and vowed a review.
The airport's southern runway underwent annual repairs the previous day, resulting in significant flight delays and sparking public discontent. According to airport statistics, the on-time flight rate for the previous day was 53%, with 14% of flights delayed up to 30 minutes, 11% delayed for 30 to 60 minutes, 12% delayed for 1 to 2 hours, and 10% delayed more than 2 hours.
In response to public complaints, the MOTC noted the scale of this year's repair work was much larger than usual. Unexpected traffic volume led to greater-than-anticipated delays, prompting calls for improvements, the ministry said.
MOTC Administrative Deputy Minister Lin Kuo-hsien said when maintenance exceeds one day, the need for variable services is necessary. Lin believes that airlines, industry departments, and relevant units should make adjustments and plans as early as possible for large-scale maintenance projects.
Lin also stressed that the public must be informed about runway maintenance as it would affect flight schedules. He said the Taoyuan Airport company will be requested to notify the public in advance in the future.