FEATURE: Domestic airlines struggle to make ends meet

Uni Air said even if direct flights could not be implemented in the short term, turning cross-strait charter flights into a regular service during weekends would significantly benefit all domestic airlines.

"We have waited too long. But if the restrictions are eased or lifted overnight, we can immediately meet the surging demand," Hsu said.

"Easing restrictions on the small three links (小三通) is something that can be done to help us right away," Hsu said.

Currently, only Kinmen residents or Taiwanese businesspeople in China are allowed take advantage of direct travel between Taiwan and Xiamen via Kinmen.

"We are desperate for spring after this long, cruel winter," Fan said.

"If we [four domestic airlines] had one unequivocal wish for this Lunar New Year, that would be a full-scale direct transportation link between Taiwan and China," Fan said.