By MOOK Scenic Spots, compiled report
Japan has long been the top choice for Taiwanese travelers going abroad, consistently ranking high on the list of the country’s most popular destinations and a key route for many Asian airlines. However, this year, in addition to the budget-friendly Vanilla Air ceasing operations and merging with Peach Aviation, other airlines have also made cuts. Both Malindo Air and Philippine Airlines have suspended their flights between Taipei and Osaka as well as Hokkaido.
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Malindo Air suspends flights between Taipei and Hokkaido. (Photo / Malindo Air)
Malindo Air is a Malaysian airline that promotes “low-cost fares without compromising quality,” operating both domestic routes and international services spanning Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. However, in June this year, Malindo Air announced the cancellation of its Taipei–New Chitose Airport route starting August 1 due to insufficient jet fuel supply at New Chitose Airport, with the refueling contract only valid until the end of July.
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Due to insufficient jet fuel supply at New Chitose Airport, Malindo Air cancels the Taipei–New Chitose route from August. (Photo / Malindo Air)
As flights between Taoyuan and Sapporo will be indefinitely suspended from August, passengers who have already booked tickets can contact Malindo Air customer service. Full refunds will be issued for unused tickets without any cancellation fees. Malindo Air had also planned to launch a Taipei–Sendai route on July 2, but that has been temporarily put on hold.
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Philippine Airlines bows out of low-cost competition and decides to suspend Taipei–Osaka route. (Photo / Philippine Airlines)
Additionally, the Taipei–Osaka route operated by Philippine Airlines since mid-2016 initially offered five weekly flights between Taipei and Osaka. However, unable to compete with the low prices of budget airlines, the airline decided to suspend the route as of October 27 this year. Although Philippine Airlines is a full-service carrier, it had lowered prices to compete with budget airlines — sometimes even undercutting the total cost of budget flights when adding baggage and meals — making it a popular option for many travelers heading to Japan.
Countdown to Vanilla Air merger — travelers saddened by flight suspensions
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