Taiwan’s China Airlines Makes History With Direct Non-stop Route To Phoenix, Cutting Six Hours Off Travel Time And Unlocking New Horizons For U.S. Travelers

Published on December 4, 2025

Taiwan’s China Airlines is transforming U.S. travel with the launch of direct non-stop flights between Taipei and Phoenix, a strategic move that reduces travel time by six hours and opens up new opportunities for both business and leisure travelers. This new route, operating three times a week, marks the airline’s first connection to the American Southwest and strengthens its position as a leading carrier in North America. With modern Airbus A350-900 aircraft, China Airlines offers passengers an enhanced flying experience, complete with Michelin-starred meals and seamless connections to major U.S. cities, making this route a game-changer for cross-Pacific travel.

Taiwan’s China Airlines (CAL) has unveiled a significant new route between Taipei and Phoenix, marking a milestone in the airline’s North American expansion. The new service, which operates as the airline’s seventh hub in North America, also represents its first venture into the American Southwest. This direct flight offers both business and leisure travelers a faster and more convenient connection between Taiwan and the U.S.

The Taipei-Phoenix route provides a 12-hour non-stop journey, significantly reducing travel time by eliminating layovers. Compared to traditional flights with connections, this direct service saves passengers approximately six hours of travel time. The flight operates three times a week, with scheduled departures on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The airline has chosen the Airbus A350-900 for this route, known for its efficiency and passenger comfort. This modern aircraft boasts larger windows, quieter cabins, and a more spacious seating arrangement, ensuring a relaxing flight experience for travelers.

China Airlines’ decision to launch this route reflects a strategic move to increase connectivity between Taiwan and key U.S. cities, especially in regions with growing economic potential like the American Southwest. According to the airline, Phoenix will serve as an essential gateway to a wide range of business opportunities and leisure travel options for travelers in both Taiwan and the U.S.

The inaugural flight on December 3 was a resounding success, with the plane fully booked, illustrating the strong demand for direct flights between Taipei and Phoenix. The airline expects this route to appeal to a diverse group of passengers, including business professionals, tourists, and students, further cementing Phoenix’s position as an emerging hub for international travel.

Passengers on this inaugural flight can easily connect to a variety of other U.S. cities, expanding the route’s reach even further. Thanks to interline agreements with major U.S. carriers such as Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, WestJet, and Sun Country Airlines, travelers can now seamlessly continue their journeys to key destinations like Denver, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Kansas City, and Chicago. This network of connections makes it even more convenient for travelers to access important business hubs and popular tourist attractions across the U.S.

The launch of this route not only opens new doors for travelers but also symbolizes the strengthening of Taiwan-U.S. air connectivity. The increased number of direct flights between these two regions will facilitate greater tourism, economic exchange, and cultural understanding. For Phoenix, this development is particularly significant, as it opens up new opportunities to attract international travelers and support the city’s growing economy.

To mark the historic launch, the inaugural flight ceremony featured exciting events that delighted passengers. A special lottery offered five lucky travelers the chance to win signed baseballs, adding a fun and memorable element to their travel experience. The celebration also highlighted Taiwan’s rich culinary traditions, with passengers treated to Michelin 3-Star dishes from the renowned Les Palais restaurant. These fine dining offerings are set to become a regular feature on all Premium Business and Premium Economy flights starting next year, elevating the overall in-flight experience for passengers. Additionally, specialty cocktails and Peet’s Coffee were served, further enhancing the premium service that China Airlines aims to provide.

As the airline continues to expand its network, the Taipei-Phoenix route is expected to play a significant role in attracting tourists and business travelers to the American heartland. This new air link will not only boost Phoenix’s position as a destination for both business and leisure travelers, but it will also contribute to Taiwan’s growing role in facilitating global travel connections. The connection to Phoenix opens the door to exploring the many cultural and economic opportunities that the American Southwest has to offer.

In addition to offering convenience and comfort for travelers, China Airlines is also focused on ensuring that its flights cater to the needs of both business and leisure travelers. The inclusion of premium services, such as Michelin-starred meals, high-quality coffee, and luxurious cabin amenities, ensures that passengers can enjoy a top-tier travel experience, whether they are traveling for business meetings or leisurely exploring new destinations.

The new Taipei-Phoenix route adds to China Airlines’ robust North American network, which already includes several major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Toronto. The airline’s expansion in North America signals a broader trend of increased international connections, reflecting the growing importance of the U.S. market for Taiwan and the airline’s ambition to become a more integral player in the global aviation industry.

As Taiwan continues to emerge as a key global player in aviation, China Airlines’ expansion into the American Southwest is a positive step toward fostering stronger ties between Taiwan and the U.S. With this direct connection, travelers from both regions now have a more efficient, comfortable, and accessible way to explore each other’s cultures, businesses, and opportunities.

Taiwan’s China Airlines has launched direct non-stop flights between Taipei and Phoenix, cutting travel time by six hours and offering a faster, more convenient option for both business and leisure travelers. This new route strengthens the airline’s network in North America, providing crucial access to the American Southwest.

The new Phoenix route represents not only a significant achievement for China Airlines but also a promising future for air travel between Taiwan and the U.S., fostering greater cooperation and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.