In a significant development for travelers, China Airlines has inaugurated direct flights connecting Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Taiwan, bridging Arizona and Asia without any stopovers. According to FOX10 Phoenix, this new service, taking passengers over a distance of about 7,000 miles to Taoyuan International Airport in approximately 15 hours, marks Phoenix's first nonstop link to Asia. Before the commencement of this service, travelers had to endure layovers, with one traveler noting, "There was always a connecting flight, but now with this whole new thing coming up, it’s going to be great, because that’s going to cut, probably, like a good three to four hours, right?"
Offering flights thrice weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, China Airlines operates this long-haul route with an Airbus A350-900, as FOX10 Phoenix reports. The aircraft accommodates 306 passengers across three classes, including 32 business seats converting into fully flat beds, further improving the travel experience for passengers making the cross-Pacific journey. Notably, ticket prices for the flights begin at under $700, making this direct connection not only time-saving but also accessible.
During the inaugural flight event, ceremonious touches like cake being served echoed the significance of this route's launch. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and China Airlines celebrated as the first nonstop service from Taipei landed in Phoenix on Dec. 3, 2025, captured by AZCentral. Sky Harbor Aviation Director Chad Makovsky and China Airlines Chairman Kao Shing-Hwang were present for the photo ops, marking a decade's worth of negotiations and planning come to fruition.
Though named China Airlines, the carrier is based in Taiwan, which can lead to some confusion among those unfamiliar with the historical context. As one person told FOX10 Phoenix, "I really don't have any interest in going to China," reflecting a common misassociation. Taiwan's official name, "Republic of China," dates back to 1912 and was carried to Taiwan by the government after the civil war in 1949. This naming convention was once common for state-owned enterprises, as confirmed by an article from the Taipei Times in 2021 mentioned by FOX10 Phoenix.
Looking ahead, Phoenix Sky Harbor anticipates the nonstop service to generate an annual economic benefit surpassing $100 million. Moreover, China Airlines will be joined by Starlux Airlines, slated to begin the same Phoenix-Taiwan route starting January 15, 2026, bringing additional growth and more robust connectivity between the two regions, as per FOX10 Phoenix.
