Premier Lin Chuan says the government will conduct a comprehensive review of suggestions on upgrading Taichung Airport and putting Kaohsiung International Airport’s capacity to better use. Lin was speaking Friday.
Earlier Taichung Mayor Lin Chia-lung called on the government to turn Taichung’s airport from a domestic to an international airport. Lin said the upgrade will alleviate air traffic congestion at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. The Taichung mayor’s call comes amid criticism of Taoyuan Airport’s management.
However, on Monday, several Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers urged the government to focus more on Kaohsiung International Airport in southern Taiwan, as it has not been used at full capacity. DPP lawmaker Chiu Yi-ying said the airport’s geographical location also makes flights to Southeast Asia less expensive.
"Take Singapore as an example. It will save more than NT$5,500 if [you] fly from Kaohsiung to Singapore. We want to ask the Civil Aeronautics Administration to seriously consider putting Kaohsiung International Airport to good use," said Chiu.