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Hengchun Airport (HCN) has been closed to commercial operations since 2014; standard Minimum Connection Times (MCT) are no longer applicable.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
Lyudao Airport (GNI), also known as Green Island Airport, is a vital regional aviation facility serving Green Island (Lรผdao), a volcanic island off the southeastern coast of Taiwan. Located in Taitung County, the airport is the primary gateway for residents and tourists visiting this small island, which is world-renowned for its pristine coral reefs and its status as a premier scuba diving destination. The airfield features a single 992-meter asphalt runway and is situated just steps from the island's western shoreline, providing a scenic arrival point for all visitors.
The terminal facilities at Lyudao Airport are minimalist and highly functional, reflecting the airport's role as a small regional airstrip. The terminal building is described as very tiny, primarily consisting of essential check-in counters and a compact security screening area. Due to its limited size, the airport offers few commercial amenities such as retail shops or restaurants. Travelers are advised to carry their own water and snacks, as the facility focuses on efficient passenger processing for the short flights to the main island of Taiwan.
Scheduled commercial services at GNI are exclusively provided by Daily Air, a regional carrier that specializes in connecting Taiwan's offshore islands. The airline offers multiple daily flights between Green Island and Taitung Airport (TTT) on the main island, typically utilizing small turboprop aircraft such as the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter. The flight duration is approximately 15 to 20 minutes, offering passengers breathtaking aerial views of the Pacific Ocean and the island's unique volcanic coastline. These flights are essential for the movement of people, mail, and fresh supplies.
Ground transportation on Green Island is typically managed via rented scooters or motorcycles, which are the primary modes of transport for visitors exploring the island's diverse attractions, including the Zhaori Saltwater Hot Springs and the numerous dive sites around Chaikou and Shilang. Most local dive centers and guest houses coordinate their guest pickups directly with flight arrivals. Travelers should be mindful that flight operations can be subject to delays or cancellations, especially during the monsoon season or periods of high winds. Despite its modest infrastructure, Lyudao Airport remains a cornerstone of the island's connectivity and its world-class tourism industry.
๐ Connection Tips
Plan transfers carefully at Lyudao Airport.
โ Back to Hengchun Airport