《TAIPEI TIMES》Taiwan to invest NT$673.8bn in airport upgrades

Construction for Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport’s Terminal 3 is pictured on May 30. Photo: Chu Pei-hsiung, Taipei Times

AMBITIOUS PLANS:Projects include a terminal expansion at Beigan Airport, renovations for Lanyu and Green Island airports, and a new terminal for the Kaohsiung airport

By Hollie Younger / Staff writer, with CNA The government is to invest NT$673.8 billion （US$20.89 billion） in improving airports across the nation, as Taiwan is expected to service 100 million international air passengers and 13 million domestic travelers annually by 2045, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications said yesterday.

The plan was passed by the National Development Council yesterday, and has been submitted to the Executive Yuan for approval.

Taiwan is hoping to become a major flight hub in the region by improving airports nationwide, the ministry said, adding that it aims to handle 4.02 million tonnes in air cargo by 2045.

The funds would be used to improve airport infrastructure and services, it said.

Before 2045, Taoyuan International Airport Corp, the Civil Aviation Operation Fund and the armed services would invest NT$491.6 billion, NT$180 billion and NT$2.2 billion respectively, the ministry said.

Projects would include continued support for a third terminal and runway at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and the ongoing construction of a new terminal at Kaohsiung International Airport, including relocating a taxiway and building a new parking lot, it said.

As for the outlying islands, there would be airside pavement improvements at Kinmen Airport, the first phase of a new terminal expansion would begin at Beigan Airport in Lienchiang County, and terminals at airports on Lanyu （Orchid Island, 蘭嶼） and Green Island （綠島） would be expanded and renovated, it added.

Airport developments should use construction resources effectively, and align with the government’s net zero transition goals and digital development policies by promoting sustainable, smart and resilient operations, National Development Council Minister Yeh Chun-hsien （葉俊顯） said.

新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES