โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Hengchun Airport (HCN) is a decommissioned domestic aviation facility located in Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan. Built in 2003 at a significant cost, the airport was intended to serve as the primary gateway for tourists visiting the world-famous Kenting National Park and the southern tip of Taiwan. However, the airport faced immediate and persistent challenges due to the region's powerful "Loshuifeng" (katabatic winds), which frequently caused flight cancellations and safety concerns. By 2014, all scheduled commercial services had ceased, making it one of the shortest-lived major infrastructure projects in Taiwan's aviation history.
The terminal building at Hengchun Airport remains a prominent feature of the local landscape, though it is no longer used for passenger flights. During its operational years, the terminal featured a modern, single-level layout with check-in counters, a waiting lounge, and basic amenities designed to handle domestic traffic from Taipei and other regional hubs. The facility included a single 1,700-meter concrete runway and a small parking ramp. Today, while the civilian terminal is defunct, the site is occasionally used for training exercises by the Republic of China Armed Forces and for various community and research activities, including unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) testing.
Although the airport is closed to commercial traffic, it serves as a cautionary tale of the impact of local environmental conditions on aviation planning. The terminal once offered services such as a tourism information counter, wireless internet, and even showers for travelers returning from the nearby beaches. Now, visitors to Kenting National Park primarily use Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) as their aviation gateway, followed by a ground transfer to the south. The Hengchun terminal stands as a quiet monument to the ambition of connecting Taiwan's remote southern peninsula directly to the capital, reflecting the unique meteorological challenges of the Pingtung region.
๐ Connection Tips
Hengchun Airport (HCN) has been closed to commercial operations since 2014; standard Minimum Connection Times (MCT) are no longer applicable. Travelers heading to Kenting National Park or the southern tip of Taiwan must now use Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) as their primary gateway. The most common "connection" for this region is the ground transfer from Kaohsiung to Hengchun, which takes approximately 2 hours via the coastal highway. When arriving internationally at KHH, allow at least 5 hours for the total transition to account for customs, baggage claim, and road travel.
Ground transport from Kaohsiung is plentiful, including the efficient "Kenting Express" bus, private taxis, and car rentals. The express bus links Kaohsiung HSR station and the airport directly to Hengchun and Kenting. If you have a departing flight from Kaohsiung, ensure you leave the south well in advanceโat least 6 hours before an international departureโto navigate potential traffic along the scenic but often congested southern roads. This ensures a stress-free arrival at the KHH terminal for security and check-in.
While Hengchun Airport is no longer active for passengers, the town remains a vibrant cultural center. Layovers in the region are best spent exploring Kentingโs stunning beaches, the Eluanbi Lighthouse, or the local night markets. There are no passenger amenities at HCN, so all logistical arrangements should be made via Kaohsiung. For rebooking or missed connections, contact your airline at Kaohsiung International, as no commercial service desks exist at the defunct Hengchun terminal. The facility serves as a reminder of the unique meteorological challenges posed by the region's strong katabatic winds.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Chiayi Airport (CYI), also known as Shueishang Airport, is a regional aviation facility located in Shuishang Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan. Situated approximately 8 kilometers from the central business district of Chiayi City, the airport is a critical gateway for the region's agricultural industry and a primary arrival point for tourists visiting the Alishan National Scenic Area. Its modern terminal building is designed to provide a low-stress, efficient experience for passengers from across the region.
The terminal features a single, compact building that manages both domestic arrivals and departures. Within the terminal, passengers can find check-in counters, a streamlined security checkpoint, and a shared waiting lounge. Despite its relatively small scale, the facility is well-equipped to manage regional traffic and provides a welcoming atmosphere for those traveling to or from Chiayi. Facilities are well-maintained, featuring a small cafe that serves as a meeting spot for those awaiting flights.
Amenities at Chiayi Airport are comprehensive, with a selection of shopping and dining options ranging from local Taiwanese snack bars to small retail shops selling souvenirs and travel essentials. The terminal also provides free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the building and dedicated charging stations for electronic devices. In the arrivals area, passengers have easy access to baggage claim and a selection of major car rental services. Parking is conveniently located directly adjacent to the terminal entrance, further enhancing the user-friendly atmosphere of this regional hub.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Chiayi Airport (CYI), also known as Shueishang Airport, is a highly efficient and low-stress experience due to its compact, single-terminal design. As a vital regional gateway in Taiwan, it primarily facilitates domestic flights, with Uni Air being the sole scheduled operator. Because the terminal handles both arrivals and departures within the same building, transiting between any two points takes only a few minutes. For travelers arriving from offshore islands and connecting to Chiayi City, ground transportation is readily available. The airport is located approximately 8 kilometers from the city center, which can be reached in 15-25 minutes by taxi. Additionally, the Chiayi County Bus operates special routes connecting the airport to both the TRA Chiayi Station (for regular rail) and the HSR Chiayi Station (for high-speed rail). These bus journeys typically take 20-30 minutes and are timed to coincide with flight schedules. When planning your arrival for a departing flight, aim to be at the airport at least 60-90 minutes before your domestic flight. While security and check-in procedures are usually rapid, this buffer accounts for any traffic delays. For those using CYI as a jumping-off point for the Alishan National Scenic Area, it is highly recommended to pre-book your mountain transport or rental car. The terminal offers essential amenities, including free high-speed Wi-Fi and a help desk that provides umbrellas and weather updates. By leveraging the airport's streamlined layout and excellent local transport links, you can enjoy a seamless transition to one of Taiwan's most scenic regions.
โ Back to Hengchun Airport