News Summary
STARLUX Airlines has announced nonstop flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei, starting in early 2026. This new service, confirmed by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, will operate three to four times a week, pending regulatory approvals. The route is anticipated to significantly enhance economic ties and tourism between Arizona and Taiwan, coinciding with the $165 billion investment by TSMC in Phoenix. Utilizing the Airbus A350-900, the service is expected to generate over $100 million annually for the local economy.
Phoenix, Arizona – In a significant development for air travel, STARLUX Airlines has announced its plans to begin nonstop flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) in Taipei, Taiwan, starting in early 2026. This new route marks the first direct air connection between Phoenix and Asia, effectively expanding the city’s international reach.
The announcement was made by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego during her State of the City Address on May 20, 2025. The service is anticipated to operate three to four times a week, subject to final regulatory approvals that are still pending. K.W. Chang, the Chairman of STARLUX Airlines, expressed strong confidence in this venture, highlighting the growing business interactions between Taipei and Phoenix.
The introduction of this nonstop route comes at a time when economic ties between Arizona and Taiwan are deepening. Notably, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has made a groundbreaking $165 billion investment in Phoenix, recognized as the largest foreign direct investment in U.S. history. This trend reflects Phoenix’s changing economic landscape and its increasing status as an international city.
Flight Details and Economic Impact
The initial service will utilize an Airbus A350-900 aircraft, featuring a seating capacity of 306 passengers, including four in first class, 26 in business class, and 36 in premium economy. The economic impact of the new Phoenix-Taipei route is projected to exceed $100 million annually, underlining the potential benefits for local economies.
Currently, ticket sales for the flights will commence once the necessary regulatory approvals have been secured. As of now, STARLUX’s official website does not list any nonstop flights, but anticipation is high for the new service. The addition of this route makes Phoenix the fifth U.S. city to establish nonstop flights to Taipei with STARLUX, joining others such as Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
Background on Phoenix’s International Flight Landscape
Phoenix has been expanding its international flight offerings, with flights contributing over $3 billion annually to the local economy. The anticipated demand for the new Taipei route aligns with ongoing trends of increasing international travel, particularly to and from Asia. The introduction of nonstop flights to Taipei is expected to enhance tourism, business travel, and cultural exchanges between the two cities.
STARLUX Airlines has previously launched flights to various destinations on the U.S. West Coast, including key cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, building a strong presence in the U.S. market. This expansion into Phoenix reflects the airline’s commitment to connecting Asia with major American cities.
Overall, the launch of nonstop flights between Phoenix and Taipei represents a notable advancement in the region’s air travel offerings and is reflective of the dynamic economic relationships forging between Arizona and Taiwan. With the anticipation of this new service, both local and international travelers can look forward to enhanced connectivity and potential growth opportunities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AZ Central: STARLUX Airlines Announces Nonstop Flights from Phoenix
- ABC 15: Phoenix Sky Harbor Gets First Nonstop Flight to Asia
- The Points Guy: STARLUX Airlines Launching Phoenix to Taiwan Nonstop Flights
- Google Search: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
- View from the Wing: Phoenix Gets Its First Asia Flight
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Taiwan
