TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Cabinet on Thursday said there is currently no surge in demand that would require the additional cross-strait flights proposed by China.
Following a meeting between KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the Taiwan Affairs Office announced 10 measures, including the full resumption and normalization of cross-strait passenger air services, per CNA. Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) on Wednesday said that 420 flights per week were planned on the existing 10 cross-strait routes, but only 310 are actually operating, indicating that demand is not as strong as expected.
At a post-Cabinet meeting press conference on Thursday, Cabinet Spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) said the government welcomes healthy and orderly cross-strait exchanges. However, she said demand remains below expectations, and that the government will conduct a pragmatic assessment after receiving the official documents.
Civil Aviation Administration official Chang Tsui-fen (張翠芬) said during the briefing that relevant information has been received, but flight demand has not shown a significant surge, and existing operations are sufficient to meet demand. She added that the situation will continue to be monitored and that flight services will be adjusted accordingly.
Lin Chien-yu (林千右), deputy director of the Mainland Affairs Council's Department of Economic Affairs, also said that the council has received the letter from the Chinese side and will work with relevant agencies to assess its contents.
