TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Civil Aviation Administration on Sunday announced plans to reconstruct Qimei and Wangan airports in Penghu County.

The project seeks to improve passenger spaces and flow, increase comfort and convenience, and create facilities that balance functionality with aesthetics. It also aims to boost tourism to the outlying islands, the CAA said.

CAA Director-General Ho Shu-ping (何淑萍) said the total budget is NT$597.9 million (US$19.6 million), with construction expected to take 855 days. The project will be led by architect Hsu Tsung-hsi (許宗熙), working with renowned Japanese architect Ando Tadao and landscape designer Wu Shu-yuan (吳書原).

The design of Qimei Airport will draw on the island’s five bays and the imagery of its famous Twin Heart stone weirs, symbolizing romance and natural beauty. Wangan Airport, meanwhile, will be shaped like open arms facing Taiwan proper, conveying a welcoming and hospitable spirit.

The CAA said the projects will give the two airports distinct identities and allow travelers to experience the islands’ unique character and culture as soon as they arrive.