China Airlines Prepares for Launch New Direct Service Between Taipei and Phoenix

Taiwan-based China Airlines is preparing for the launch of new nonstop service between Taipei and Phoenix, Arizona.  Starting December 3, 2025, the route will operate three times weekly.

China Airlines Airbus A350 XWB Featuring a Special Livery - Courtesy Airbus

On Friday (September 19, 2025), China Airlines announced the launch of new direct service between Taipei and Phoenix, Arizona.  This is a follow-up announcement, as the carrier originally announced the new service in late July 2025.  The route will operate three times weekly with an Airbus A350-900 starting December 3, 2025. On Thursday (September 18th), a China Airlines delegation, led by the carrier’s President, Kevin Chen, visited Arizona and met with Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego to deliver the welcome news.  During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in advancing business and tourism exchanges between the U.S. and Taiwan.

The Taipei-Phoenix service will depart Taipei on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.  The outbound flight, CI 036, will depart Taoyuan International Airport at 16:30 and is scheduled to arrive in Phoenix at 13:35.   The return flight, CI 035, will depart Phoenix at 16:00, and will arrive cack in Taipei at 22:20+1 (all times local).

With the launch of the new route, China Airlines will become the first Taiwan-based carrier to operate direct flights to Phoenix.  Starting in 2022, the carrier conducted a series of successful charter flights to Phoenix, gaining valuable experience in both passenger and cargo services to the region.  As part of China Airlines’ North America network strategy, Phoenix is positioned to become one of the key stations in the airline’s U.S. operations, serving as a gateway for domestic connectivity.  Through China Airlines interline partnership with Southwest Airlines, travelers can conveniently connect to more than 50 U.S. cities, including Denver, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Chicago and more.

From Left: China Airlines' President Kevin Chen, and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego - Courtesy China Airlines

Currently, China Airlines North American network includes service to New York, Los Angeles, Ontario (CA), San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver.  With the addition of the new Phoenix service, this will bring the total number of weekly return flights to 40.  China Airlines plans on gradually increasing frequencies on the Taipei-New York route, and is scheduled to move into the all-new Terminal One at New York-JFK Airport next year.

Source: China Airlines

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