More Philippines-Taiwan flights added as demand rises

Passengers are given more options to fly to Taiwan from the Philippines as airlines have been announcing reopening and launching of new routes with the further easing of mobility restrictions and return of travel confidence.

AirAsia Philippines, in a statement on Monday, said it recently restarted its Kaohsiung, Taiwan route a few weeks before the Lunar New Year festivities. The inaugural flight was conducted on Jan. 7.

“Our return to Kaohsiung signals an auspicious and positive welcome to the Year of the Rabbit. Before the pandemic, this route and Manila-Taipei had immensely contributed to our growth with its consistently high traffic demand, especially among leisure travelers and overseas Filipino workers who are always searching for the best value deals,” said Ricky Isla, CEO of the low-cost airline.

The budget carrier is currently operating three flights for this route per week.

Isla said they were looking forward to “reopening more international routes and air travel in the eastern region of Asia.”

Meanwhile, Filipinos will also be able to fly to Taipei from Clark, Pampanga daily with the launching of new flights by EVA Air starting Mar. 30, giving travelers alternative gateways to Taiwan.

The Taiwanese international airline, in a statement on Monday, shared that passengers would be linked to Taiwan from Clark International Airport.

“The addition of Clark International Airport will give EVA three gateways in the Philippines and boost the convenience and flexibility passengers enjoy now with Manila and Cebu service,” the carrier said.

With the opening of the new route, EVA will be facilitating 35 flights to the Philippines per week.

The carrier noted that Clark airport, which is about 80 kilometers from the country’s main gateway Ninoy Aquino International Airport, provides passengers more options to fly to Taiwan and be connected to other destinations in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.

“The new gateway is tailor-made for Taiwan–Philippines travelers. It will also be attractive to American and European passengers who transit to the Philippines through Taipei,” EVA said.

Passengers flying to Taiwan from the Philippines this month will pay a fuel surcharge of P722.71.

Fuel surcharges are additional fees by airlines to help them recover fuel costs. These are separate from the base fare, which is the actual amount paid by the passenger for his or her seat.