TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Deputy Transportation Minister Lin Kuo-shian (林國顯) said that Taiwan’s air passenger traffic reached a record 68.8 million last year, with flight numbers surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels.

Taiwan operated international flights to 107 destinations during last year’s winter season, averaging 2,981 flights per week, Civil Aviation Administration Director Ho Shu-ping (何淑萍) said at a press conference on Tuesday. That was 124 more weekly flights than in the summer season and exceeded the pre-pandemic average of 2,957 flights per week, per CNA.

Ho said the increase was driven by new aircraft deliveries to domestic airlines and foreign carriers adding more flights. She added that continued government incentives and airport fee discounts have also helped boost international air services.

Ho said that parts of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport’s third terminal opened in December, increasing annual passenger handling capacity by 5.8 million. She added that Taiwan’s civil aviation authorities strengthened air transport agreements with Italy and Finland in February and March 2025, allowing for additional flights and destinations. These initiatives are expected to drive further growth in air passenger traffic.

Starlux Airlines launched its Taipei–Phoenix route on Jan. 15 and plans to open its first European route later this year. EVA Air will begin a direct Taoyuan–Washington, DC service in July and will add more flights to North America.

Taiwan operates over 800 weekly flights to Japan and more than 500 weekly flights to South Korea, providing convenient connections for travelers to Northeast Asia, the administration said. International flights carried 58.3 million passengers last year, and the administration estimates that number could rise to 62 million this year.

Taiwan’s air cargo volume reached 2.57 million tonnes last year, surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels, with 2.5 million tonnes carried on international flights. Revenues from free trade zones at Taoyuan Airport and six ports exceeded NT$5 trillion last year and could top NT$6 trillion this year.

The administration said it will continue to use data and risk management to strengthen oversight of airlines, airports, ground handling, and air navigation service providers.