Taiwanese airlines will operate more than 200 charter or additional flights to overseas tourist resorts for the Chinese New Year holidays, airlines said yesterday.
The week-long Chinese New Year holidays, also called the Spring Festival, begins on Feb. 12. Many Taiwanese fly to warmer countries then to escape from Taiwan's cold and humid weather.
However, most of the charter and added flights are bound for Japan which attracts Taiwanese with its hot springs, snow and cherry blossoms.
From now until the Spring Festival, China Airlines (CAL) will offer 137 charter flights and 38 additional flights to 14 Japanese cities, including Tokyo, Fukuoka and Nagoya.
"Japan is the biggest destination for Taiwan tourists. We may also offer additional flights to Hong Kong to accommodate Taiwanese going to China for family visits," said Chen Ke-yu from CAL's press office.
Taiwan bans direct air links with China, forcing travellers to transit through Hong Kong.
EVA Airways, the nation's second-largest international airline, will provide 37 charter flights to Japan around and during the Chi-nese New Year holidays.
"We will also operate 19 additional flights -- six to Bangkok, three each to Bali Island and Kuala Lumpur, and five each to Australia and New Zealand," EVA press officer Chiu Feng-chiao said.
Mandarin Airlines, CAL's subsidiary, will provide 36 charter flights to Japan from January until mid-February. It will also offer 20 additional flights to Pattaya, Thailand, and two additional flights to Yangon, Myanmar.
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