TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Executive Yuan (行政院) finalized a subsidy on Thursday (Dec. 12) to ensure daily flights between Taipei and Hualien starting Dec. 26. This decision aims to stabilize transportation disrupted by natural disasters. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC, 交通部) and the Civil Aviation Administration (CAA, 民航局) had advocated for this route expansion, receiving approval on Nov. 22.
The Executive Yuan allocated a budget cap of NT$30.48 million to support the increased flights, addressing the unstable transportation links in Hualien caused by earthquakes and typhoons. Of this, the Huailen County Government will contribute NT$3.04 million, while the remaining NT$27.43 million will come from the "Hualien-Taitung Fund" (花東基金). The Hualien County Government will lead the project, with the MOTC providing oversight.
Uni Air (立榮航空), in coordination with the CAA, plans to increase flights from Dec. 30, adding services every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. This ensures daily connectivity on the Taipei-Hualien route. The MOTC has also developed an emergency response procedure for land transport disruptions in the eastern Suhua section, addressing urgent travel needs.
In cases where the eastern rail and road connections are severed, the CAA will instruct airlines to assess and increase flight capacity within three hours, assisting in alleviating public demand. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to improving transportation resilience and accessibility in Hualien.