Taoyuan terminal project to be completed next year

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport’s Terminal 3 is set for completion by the end of next year, marking the largest public construction project in Taiwan since the 10 key infrastructure projects from 1973 to 1979. The terminal, designed by Richard Rogers, will cost NT$128.37 billion (US$4.07 billion) and feature southern and northern boarding halls, an office building, and 21 aircraft stands. It will also include five boarding gates for small planes and a ceiling equivalent in size to 16 soccer fields, with a 10km-long roof drainage system. The terminal is designed to handle 50 million passengers annually and will increase the airport’s cargo flight capacity. Half of the check-in counters will be self-service, and the check-in kiosks will be 60% to 70% longer than those in the other two terminals. Additional features include luggage storage services and 18 large elevators. Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation and Communications, Chen Shih-kai, emphasized the terminal’s role as a major transit hub, noting that 20% of travelers passing through the airport connect Southeast Asia to North America. The new terminal will primarily serve three Taiwanese carriers: China Airlines, EVA Airways, and Starlux Airlines. Its completion is expected to significantly boost passenger numbers and freight capacity. Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) fined EVA Air NT$600,000 for failing to properly manage a medical emergency involving a flight attendant. The 34-year-old crew member, surnamed Sun, died after working despite deteriorating health during flights between Taipei and Milan in September 2022. An internal investigation revealed the purser failed to document or report her condition, leading to disciplinary action and internal reforms at EVA Air.