Asiana Airlines Cancels Direct Flights to Taiwan on 5th Amid China's 'Taiwan Encirclement' Drills

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] China has started military exercises around Taiwan on the 4th in response to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, causing disruptions to airline operations.

According to the aviation industry on the 4th, Asiana Airlines canceled its direct flight schedule to Taiwan planned for the 5th. Asiana Airlines had previously moved up the flight schedule by three hours on the first day of China's military exercises. The schedule for the second day has been completely canceled.

Asiana Airlines operates a direct flight route between Incheon and Taiwan six times a week except Mondays, departing Incheon International Airport daily at 10 a.m. and arriving at Taiwan Taoyuan Airport at 11:30 a.m. local time, then departing Taiwan at 1 p.m. and arriving in Incheon at 4:30 p.m.

Since China's military exercises are scheduled from 1 p.m. on the 4th to 1 p.m. on the 7th Korean time, Asiana Airlines will decide on the operation of flights on the 6th and 7th based on the situation a day prior. An Asiana Airlines official stated, "Passengers who booked direct flights to Taiwan on the 5th will be able to change their reservations to flights on the 7th or receive a free refund."

Korean Air is also expected to be affected. It operates direct flights to Taiwan five times a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. For Korean Air, no flights were originally scheduled on the 4th. The operation status of flights on the 5th has not yet been confirmed.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.