Earthquake impact: China Airlines flights to Kyushu before May 8 — changes and refunds free of charge

Reported by You T-Ru / Taipei

An earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan’s Kyushu region on the evening of the 14th, causing some disruptions to local transportation and attractions. China Airlines issued a statement today (the 15th) announcing that its Kaohsiung–Kumamoto flight is operating as usual today. Passengers wishing to travel to Kyushu before May 8 may change their flight times if their tickets have been issued, and those who have not yet issued tickets may request a refund without any handling fee.


▲The major earthquake in Kumamoto on the evening of April 15 caused multiple collapses at Kumamoto Castle, an important cultural property in Japan, with serious damage to its roof. (Photo / Screenshot from NHK footage)

China Airlines stated that the facilities and takeoff/landing operations at Kumamoto Airport were not affected by yesterday’s earthquake, hence the Kaohsiung–Kumamoto flight is operating normally today. In addition, in response to the Kumamoto earthquake, for passengers holding tickets issued on or before April 14 and departing on or before May 8 to four Kyushu destinations in Japan — Kumamoto, Fukuoka, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima — changes to departure dates up to and including May 8 are exempt from handling fees. Refunds requested on or before May 8 are also free of charge.