No one's flying planes here!* China Airlines cancels over 100 Japan flights from July to September

▲ China Airlines at Kansai Airport. (Photo / Reporter Chen Jun?)

Reported by Chen Rui Zhong / Taipei

Travelers heading to Japan, take note!* From July to September, China Airlines has canceled multiple flights between Taiwan and Japan, affecting routes such as Taipei–Tokyo, Taipei–Sapporo, and Taipei–Osaka (Kansai). Among them, the round-trip flights CI152/CI153 between Taipei and Osaka have been canceled for the entire month, impacting over 100 flights in total. China Airlines stated that the adjustments to these flights were mainly due to the need to accommodate pilots’ annual leave.

China Airlines explained that after reaching a consensus during the third labor-management mediation meeting, the company adhered to the agreement to guarantee pilots 116 annual leave days and to fulfill their compensatory leave requests within the stipulated timeframe. In balancing operational needs and passenger rights, the airline temporarily canceled flights with high substitutability and relatively low booking numbers to meet pilots’ leave requirements. These include flights such as CI108/CI109 (Taipei–Tokyo), CI194/CI195 (Taipei–Sapporo), and CI152/153 (Taipei–Osaka), totaling around 100 flights over the two summer months.

Currently, only the Japanese website has complete information, while the Chinese website lacks full details on the canceled flights, which has led to consumer doubts. China Airlines noted that the official website published regulations on June 17 regarding free rebooking and refunds for the affected flights. The airline has been assisting passengers by rebooking alternative flights or adjusting itineraries based on individual needs. Travelers can contact their original booking agency or local customer service centers. Additionally, the Chinese website will be updated progressively. The airline apologizes for any inconvenience caused.

China Airlines Taiwan–Japan Flight Cancellations:
Narita – Taipei Taoyuan Route
CI109 Narita – Taipei Taoyuan: July 6, 11, 13–14, 18–31; August 1–31
CI108 Taipei Taoyuan – Narita: July 7, 12, 14–15, 19–31; August 1–31, September 1

Sapporo Chitose – Taipei Taoyuan Route
CI195 Sapporo Chitose – Taipei Taoyuan: July 5–8, 11, 15, 25, 28–31; August 1–31, September 1–18, 20–30
CI194 Taipei Taoyuan – Sapporo Chitose: July 5–8, 11, 15, 25, 28–31; August 1–31, September 1–13, 16–30

Kansai – Taipei Taoyuan Route
CI153 Kansai – Taipei Taoyuan: August 1–31
CI152 Taipei Taoyuan – Kansai: August 1–31