Nearly 100 flights delayed due to runway testing today; delays to end Jan. 8

▲ The airport’s flight information display system notifies passengers of testing schedules. (Photo / Provided by Taoyuan International Airport)

By Chen Rui-zhong / Staff reporter

Between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. today (Dec. 11), nearly 100 flights at Taoyuan Airport were delayed due to flight testing operations, with delays of around 20 to 30 minutes. Taoyuan International Airport stated that the delays were mainly caused by flight tests, which will continue until Jan. 7.

Taoyuan International Airport said it plans to open the southern runway for aircraft use in January 2015. The runway construction has been completed, and the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications is currently conducting flight tests. The CAA, the airport company, and airlines coordinated to carry out necessary pre-opening flight tests of navigation aids during off-peak hours from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., between Dec. 8, 2014, and Jan. 7, 2015. A flight advisory has been issued. Should air traffic become too busy during testing, test flights will be directed to land first, resuming normal operations once conditions ease.

Taoyuan International Airport also noted that airlines had made prior preparations to handle today’s delays. As flight testing is a necessary step before a runway becomes operational, it urged passengers and those picking up travelers to check the latest flight information from airlines or the airport’s official website before departure to avoid wasting valuable time.