Transportation Minister Chen Jian-yu says that it will be impossible to relocate Taipei’s Songshan Airport by the year 2020, as proposed by Taipei’s Mayor. Chen was speaking at the legislature on Monday.
The relocation of Songshan Airport continues to be a topic of debate. Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je said on Sunday that the airport has long seen declining traffic and needs to be relocated in the next few years. Ko said the airport has too many operational limits and serves no purpose other than facilitating the president’s escape from Taiwan in case of an invasion from Mainland China.
Transportation minister Chen Jian-yu said that Ko’s speech about the president’s escape was merely a joke. Chen also said that too many concerns need to be addressed for the relocation to be completed by Ko’s target of 2020.
"I suggest that Ko listen to a variety of opinions, instead of leaning on one perspective. Many industry professionals and company chairmen have clearly said that it is impossible relocate [the airport] by 2020," Chen said. "The project poses a wide range of problems, such as the offshore islands’ reliance on flights from the airport, disaster prevention, and the potential efficiency challenges caused by additional air traffic at neighboring Taoyuan airport. We need many experts’ opinions to address these problems."
Chen said the transportation ministry has preliminary plans for a completion date of 2030. He said that the project will involve many difficulties and will require the collective effort of central and local governments.