By MOOK Travel Life Network Editorial Team
The first regular flight between Tainan and Osaka took off successfully on October 28. Tainan Mayor William Lai and China Airlines Chairman Sun Hong-hsiang jointly presided over the inaugural ceremony, welcoming Japanese passengers on the first flight to Tainan and marking this historic moment. This is also the third international regular flight from Tainan Airport, following those to Hong Kong and Wuhan, and is expected to bring a new wave of tourists to Tainan.
China Airlines adds Tainan–Osaka route. (Image source / China Airlines)
In addition to making it more convenient for travelers from southern Taiwan to visit Osaka, the new route also makes it easier for Japanese visitors to come to Tainan. Tourists will have more time to slow down and experience the atmosphere of Tainan’s old city, as well as explore its rural areas and coastal regions. Tainan’s historical culture and cuisine have long been popular with Japanese guests, and this new route allows them to stay in Tainan a few days longer to fully appreciate its charm.
The mayor presents souvenirs to passengers on the inaugural flight. (Image provided / Tainan City Government Tourism Bureau)
According to statistics from last year (2014), there were 190,000 Japanese tourist stays in Tainan, with an average daily spending of about NT$9,500. Bringing Japanese tourists directly to Tainan through this direct flight benefits related tourism industries in Tainan, and the Tainan City Government has also launched numerous promotional activities to attract Japanese visitors.
China Airlines adds a new direct Tainan–Osaka route. (Image provided / Tainan City Government Tourism Bureau)
Starting October 28, China Airlines operates flights between Tainan and Osaka every Wednesday and Saturday using a 737-800 aircraft with 158 seats. The Tainan to Osaka flight departs at 3:55 PM and arrives at 7:35 PM; the Osaka to Tainan flight departs at 12:10 PM and arrives at 2:55 PM. Additionally, a promotion is being offered where purchasing a round-trip “individual ticket” for Tainan–Osaka includes a free round-trip ticket for Tainan–Hong Kong.