Airlines have announced additional flights from Shanghai, China to Taoyuan, Taiwan available before the Lunar New Year holidays. Unfortunately, only one-way flights to Taiwan have been released, creating difficulties for travelers booking tickets to return to China after the Lunar New Year.
A local travel agent says passengers are unlikely to fly this season due to three main reasons. He says only flights to Taiwan are available and potential travelers are worried they may not be able to return to China after the holidays. Also, because of supply and demand, direct flights from Shanghai to Taoyuan are nearly the same price as flying to the United States. Lastly, reentry into China still requires isolation due to China’s COVID-19 containment policies.
The uncertainty of obtaining air tickets, added expense, and isolation time are heavily influencing industry predictions that many travelers will cancel their plans to return to Taiwan for the Lunar New Year.