Growth around TSMC facility in Phoenix as seen from above
The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing facility in Phoenix spurred significant growth in the northern part of the city.
The Republic
- China Airlines will begin offering the first scheduled flights from Phoenix to Asia starting December 3.
- Initially planned with a layover, the route from Phoenix to Taipei will now be nonstop in both directions.
- The Taiwanese carrier will operate flights three days a week using an Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
China Airlines is two and a half months from flying the first scheduled flight to Taiwan from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in December.
And now, it will get there without making a stop.
When China Airlines’ route was announced in July, flights from Taiwan to Phoenix were nonstop, but not flights from Phoenix to Taiwan, which would require a layover in Los Angeles.
On Sept. 18, the airline’s website was updated with non-stop, round-trip service, offering Arizona flyers an option for traveling to Asia with the convenience of avoiding a stopover at another airport.
Here’s what travelers should know about China Airlines’ service in Phoenix.
Is China Airlines coming to Phoenix?
Yes. China Airlines will be the first to offer flights between Phoenix and Asia, beating Starlux by just under two months. Service to and from Taipei via Taoyuan Airport will start on Dec. 3.
Flights will operate on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
What plane does China Airlines use?
China Airlines’ Phoenix-Taipei flights will fly on an Airbus A350-900, which can seat 306 passengers.
Is China Airlines flying nonstop from Phoenix?
Yes. Flights departing Phoenix for Taipei and flights returning to Phoenix from Taipei will be nonstop.
China Airlines President Kevin Chen first shared the news Sept. 18 when a delegation from the airline met with Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, with both the airline and the mayor affirming commitments to advance tourism and business between Phoenix and Taiwan.
The airline stated that with the nonstop service, “Phoenix is positioned to become one of the key stations in the airline’s U.S. operations, serving as a gateway for connectivity to inland destinations. Through its interline partnership with Southwest Airlines, travelers can conveniently connect to more than 50 U.S. cities, including Denver, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Kansas City, and Chicago.”
When the route was first announced, China Airlines said the Phoenix-Taipei leg of the itinerary would require a stopover in Los Angeles. A China Airlines spokesman told The Arizona Republic at the time that weather conditions in Phoenix necessitated a stopover and that it would improve the economics of the flight.
Which terminal is China Airlines?
China Airlines is expected to fly from Terminal 4 at Sky Harbor, airport spokesman Greg Roybal said.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Taiwan?
China Airlines’ nonstop flight from Phoenix to Taipei is 15 hours and 20 minutes. Flights are scheduled to depart from Sky Harbor at 4 p.m. Arizona time and arrive in Taoyuan Airport at 10:20 p.m. China Standard Time the following day.
The return flight from Taipei to Phoenix is shorter, 12 hours and five minutes. Flights leave Taoyuan Airport at 4:30 p.m. China Standard Time and arrive at Sky Harbor at 1:35 p.m. Arizona time.
Is China Airlines owned by Taiwan or China?
China Airlines is a Taiwanese carrier headquartered at Taipei Taoyuan Airport. It’s one of the three leading Taiwanese carriers, along with Starlux Airlines (which will also offer flights to Taipei from Sky Harbor in January 2026) and EVA Air.
How much do Phoenix-Taipei flights cost?
China Airlines’ Phoenix-Taipei flights start at $431 one way for economy and $936 one way for premium economy. All fare classes include free checked luggage; higher-priced classes include free seat selection, greater frequent flyer mile accrual and the ability to change flights without paying change fees. Visit china-airlines.com.
Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com.
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