TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taipei International Airport (台北國際航空站) has won a legal battle against Far Eastern Air Transport (FAT, 遠東航空), compelling the airline to dismantle its structures and return the occupied land, according to a media report released on Monday (Nov. 18). The Taipei District Court (台北地院) ruled on the matter following a lawsuit filed by the airport, which claimed that FAT failed to vacate the premises despite the termination of their land use agreement.
The airport stated that the contract, signed on Jan. 31, 2020, allowed FAT to use the land until March 31 of the same year. However, the airline did not meet its obligations to dismantle the structures and return the land. FAT argued that the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA, 民航局), under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (交通部) unlawfully revoked its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and air rights, preventing the company from fulfilling the contract's purpose.
FAT contended that the buildings in question were constructed over 20 years ago, predating the contract, and served as essential facilities. The airline claimed that dismantling them would severely impact its operations. The judge, however, found that FAT did not provide sufficient evidence to support its claims of legal rights over the structures.
The court concluded that the airport's request for the removal of the buildings and the return of the land was justified under civil law and the contract terms. The ruling allows for an appeal.