TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — Starlux Airlines (星宇航空) launched its Taichung-to-Okinawa route on Monday (Dec. 2), marking a significant expansion in its flight offerings. In response to media inquiries, Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) also announced plans to collaborate with the Tourism Administration (觀光署) to facilitate airport bus services, enhancing connectivity for international travelers to the Taiwan High Speed Rail (高鐵) and local hotels.
Minister Chen revealed the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC, 交通部) is conducting a feasibility study to extend the national highway to Taichung International Airport (台中國際機場). He emphasized the high demand for international travel from central Taiwan, urging Starlux Airlines to increase its flight destinations and routes. He also called on local governments to expedite the development of the MRT Orange Line.
Starlux Airlines CEO Chai Chien-hua (翟健華) highlighted Taichung as a crucial hub for the airline in Taiwan. Following routes to Macau, Phu Quoc in Vietnam, and Takamatsu in Japan, the new Okinawa route becomes Taichung's fourth. Chai noted the 1.5-hour flight to Okinawa is a popular choice for Taiwanese travelers seeking island getaways.
Chai also mentioned plans to continue using Taichung International Airport as a secondary base, with a third aircraft set to be introduced next summer. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) legislators Tsai Chi-chang (蔡其昌) and Ho Hsin-chun (何欣純) pledged to push the MOTC to prioritize airport bus planning, aiming to boost airport functionality by ensuring swift downtown access for travelers.