Direct Suya–Ishigaki Flights on the Horizon: Maritime and Port Bureau Pledges Full Support to Boost Taiwan–Japan Tourism

▲ The blue seas and clear skies of Ishigaki Island are beloved by tourists. (Photo / Credited to reporter Yu...)

Reported by Lai Wen-xuan / Comprehensive report

As Yilan’s Suya Township and Japan’s Ishigaki City mark their 20th anniversary as sister cities, the two sides haveSuya–Ishigaki Islandreached a preliminary agreement on a direct ferry route, and in the future, if realized, travelers could take a cruise directly from Suya to Ishigaki for sightseeing. However, regarding the highly anticipated air navigation rights, officials from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Maritime and Port Bureau expressed optimism on the 30th and stated they would assist from a supportive stance. But it is understood that so far, no unit has applied for any related air navigation routes.

Suya and Ishigaki City are 250 kilometers apart. It was previously reported that the two sides had reached a preliminary agreement on a direct route between the two locations, with the earliest possible launch in May 2016, but the issue of air navigation rights still requires approval from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. In response, the Maritime and Port Bureau explained,Air navigation rights are applied for by operators (shipping companies) after assessing the feasibility of the route, and upon evaluation and confirmation by all parties, the administrative procedures can be completed in as fast as seven days..

Read more ~ Direct Suya–Ishigaki Island Route Set to Launch as Early as Next May

But it is understood that regarding the Suya–Ishigaki Island direct ferry, the Maritime and Port Bureau has not yet heard of any operators planning to apply, and related details remain unclear. Everything depends on new progress from Suya Township Office. Still, regarding this future direct ferry route,the Maritime and Port Bureau has expressed its willingness to provide full assistance and also hopes it will further boost tourism exchanges between Taiwan and Japan.

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