Breaking News / Landing Without Seeing the Runway? TransAsia Clarifies: Following Tower Instructions

Travel Center / Taipei Reporting

Shocking News: TransAsia recently came under fire after reports that one of its pilots landed at Penghu Magong Airport without being able to see the runway, drawing criticism for allegedly disregarding passenger safety. In response, TransAsia clarified in an interview with ETtoday News Cloud that the flight had fully complied with tower instructions on that day.

▲ TransAsia Airways. (Photo / Screenshot from official website)

It is reported that the incident occurred on May 19. The MD-83 aircraft took off from Taipei Songshan Airport around 5 p.m. that day, with its destination being Penghu Magong. According to Apple Daily, the flight carried six passengers, two pilots, and four flight attendants — a total of twelve people. Under poor visibility conditions, the pilot even attempted the landing with a “try it out” mentality. Although there were no injuries to crew or passengers, the situation left many worried about travelers’ safety.

However, regarding the claim that the pilot landed despite disregarding passenger safety, TransAsia Airways clarified that the pilot did indeed receive clearance to land from the tower after making contact, and that the communication process was accurate. Furthermore, visibility was clear on that day, and other domestic flights landed within ten minutes after TransAsia's touchdown — which proves that the term “life-threatening landing” remains open to debate.