TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's largest carrier is offering compensation to travelers caught in the crossfire of escalating tensions between two nuclear powers. China Airlines (中華航空), Taiwan's flag carrier, announced Thursday (May 8) it would waive administrative fees for full refunds on tickets, preferred seating, and pre-purchased baggage for passengers facing cancellations or significant delays on European routes due to the sudden India-Pakistan conflict that has disrupted air travel across South Asia.
Hostilities that flared Tuesday forced Pakistani authorities to implement a 48-hour airspace closure, disrupting more than 10 international flights operated by Taiwan's two major carriers. EVA Air (長榮航空), Taiwan's second-largest international airline, faced particular challenges, having to return its Vienna-Bangkok flight to its origin point and divert its Taoyuan-Milan route through Vienna for refueling. Company representatives indicated they would continue modifying flight paths as necessary to maintain passenger safety.
The flag carrier has extended additional accommodations, allowing affected travelers to reschedule their journeys once without penalty on either China Airlines or its regional subsidiary, Mandarin Airlines (華信航空). Authorities at Taoyuan International Airport (桃園機場), Taiwan's primary international gateway located near Taipei, urged all passengers and those meeting arriving flights to verify current schedules directly with airlines before heading to the airport terminals.
The geopolitical tensions have not impacted all Taiwanese carriers equally. Starlux Airlines (星宇航空), Taiwan's newest luxury airline that began operations in 2020, reported its flight schedule remains unaffected by the regional conflict. Aviation authorities continue to monitor the volatile situation, advising all international travelers to maintain close communication with their airlines and prepare for potential last-minute schedule adjustments as diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis continue. ★