Lanyu Airport (KYD)

Lanyu Airport (KYD), also identified by its ICAO code RCLY, is a vital regional aviation gateway located on the west coast of Orchid Island (Lanyu), Taiwan. The facility is currently entering a major NT$229 million renovation and expansion phase, with a new passenger terminal officially groundbreaking in mid-2025. This state-of-the-art redesign, led by renowned architects Hsu Tsung-hsi and Dan Norihiko, is specifically engineered to withstand the island's harsh maritime environment while incorporating traditional Tao (Yami) cultural elements, such as motifs inspired by the iconic "tatala" plank boats. The existing terminal remains a compact, single-story facility that provides essential check-in and waiting areas for the domestic rotations exclusively operated by Daily Air. Due to the airport's short 1,123-meter runway and the region's unpredictable weather, operations are strictly limited to daytime Visual Flight Rules (VFR), primarily utilizing 19-seat DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft. Inside the current structure, travelers will find basic amenities and streamlined security processing, with the facility acting as a critical lifeline for the island's residents and eco-tourists when ferry services are suspended during the monsoon or typhoon seasons. Ground transportation on Orchid Island is informal, with pre-arranged pickups from local guesthouses and motorcycle rentals being the primary modes of transit from the airfield. As part of a broader NT$1.2 billion government initiative to modernize Taiwan's offshore island infrastructure, the Lanyu project aims to improve passenger flow and interior comfort while transforming the terminal into a cultural landmark. Travelers are highly encouraged to book their 25-minute flight from Taitung (TTT) well in advance, as the limited aircraft capacity often leads to sold-out schedules throughout the peak tourism and cultural festival periods.