TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) announced on Wednesday (Jan. 15) that it will deploy two C-130 military transport aircraft (運輸機) daily from Jan. 24 to Feb. 4 to assist military personnel and citizens traveling to Hualien, Taitung, and offshore islands for the holiday season. This initiative aims to ease travel congestion during the festive period.
Major General Chen Yi-chih (陳益志) from the MND stated that the Civil Aviation Administration (CAA, 民航局) will determine when to activate the transport based on weather forecasts and the number of stranded passengers at airports. Chen emphasized that only citizens of the Republic of China can board the military aircraft, with luggage restrictions set at 30 kilograms.
He added that individuals with psychological discomfort or hazardous items are prohibited from flying. Chang Chia-chi (張家綺) of the 6th mixed Wing (空軍6聯隊) noted that each C-130 can carry up to 85 passengers in the Hualien and Taitung regions. For flights to offshore islands such as Kinmen and Matsu, the aircraft can accommodate up to 70 passengers due to the required survival equipment.
Wu Yu-chuan (吳育全) from the MND's Medical Affairs Bureau highlighted that military hospitals will maintain emergency and inpatient services during the Lunar New Year. Special outpatient clinics will open on Jan. 27, with some hospitals offering additional services on Jan. 28. Clinics will close from Jan. 29-30, but the Zuoying Armed Forces General Hospital (左營總醫院) will operate a special clinic on Jan. 31.