Taiwan Aviation Agency Warns of Flight Delays Amid Military Drills

Key Takeaways

• Taiwan’s CAA warns of flight delays at seven airports July 9–18, 2025 due to Han Kuang military drills.
• Han Kuang exercises involve air raid drills, public evacuations, and transport hub closures from July 15–18.
• China’s July 6 M503 route extension raises safety risks near Taiwan amidst increased military activity.

Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) has issued a strong warning about possible flight delays and disruptions at seven major airports across Taiwan from July 9 to July 18, 2025. This alert comes as the country prepares for its annual Han Kuang military exercises, which are the largest and most complex defense drills held on the island. The CAA’s warning is meant to help travelers, airlines, and the general public get ready for changes in flight schedules, temporary closures, and other impacts that may arise during this period.

Who Is Affected and What’s Happening?

The Han Kuang exercises are a yearly event in Taiwan, but this year’s drills are especially important because of rising tensions in the region. The Civil Aviation Administration has listed seven airports that could see delays or changes to their usual operations. These airports include:

• Taichung International Airport (July 9, 13–15)
• Taoyuan International Airport (July 13–17)
• Kaohsiung International Airport (July 13, 16)
• Taipei Songshan Airport (July 13, 16)
• Tainan Airport (July 13, 14, 16)
• Hualien Airport (July 15, 16)
• Chiayi Airport (July 16)

The CAA has explained that air traffic controllers may need to reschedule flights, move them to earlier or later times, or even temporarily suspend airport operations during the drills. These changes could continue even after the exercises end, so travelers are urged to check with their airlines for the latest updates before heading to the airport.

Why Are These Disruptions Happening?

The Han Kuang exercises are designed to test Taiwan’s ability to defend itself in a crisis. During these drills, the military simulates wartime conditions, including air raids and attacks on key infrastructure. This year, the exercises will also include urban resilience and air raid drills from July 15 to July 18. These drills will involve:

• Air raid sirens and public evacuation orders
• Traffic controls and temporary road closures
• Suspension of services at airports, seaports, rail, and metro stations during certain times (except for trains and metros already in motion)
• Emergency alerts sent through TV, radio, loudspeakers, and mobile phones

The goal is to prepare both the military and the public for emergencies, making sure everyone knows what to do if a real crisis occurs.

How Will This Affect Travelers and Airlines?

Travelers should expect possible delays, rescheduling, and even temporary closures at the affected airports. The Civil Aviation Administration has advised everyone to:

• Check with airlines for real-time flight updates before leaving for the airport
• Monitor official alerts from the CAA and Ministry of National Defense (MND)
• Be prepared for last-minute changes to travel plans

Airlines will need to work closely with air traffic controllers and be ready to adjust their schedules quickly. They may have to move flights to different times or cancel them altogether if safety requires it.

What About the General Public?

During the urban resilience and air raid drills, transportation hubs and public venues will temporarily stop services. People will hear sirens and receive alerts telling them to take shelter or evacuate certain areas. These measures are meant to keep everyone safe and help the government test its emergency response systems.

Recent Airspace Changes and Rising Tensions

The timing of this year’s Han Kuang exercises is especially sensitive because of recent moves by China’s Civil Aviation Authority. On July 6, 2025, just days before the drills, China announced the opening of the W121 connecting line of the M503 flight path. This change brings civil flights much closer to the median line in the Taiwan Strait, which is a sensitive area between Taiwan and China.

Taiwan’s air traffic controllers now have only about 30 seconds to react if a plane strays off course near this line. This raises serious safety and security concerns, especially with military drills happening at the same time. Taiwan sees this move as a political and military provocation, making airspace management even more complicated during the Han Kuang exercises.

Background: Why Are the Han Kuang Exercises So Important in 2025?

The Han Kuang drills have always been a big event in Taiwan, but this year they carry extra weight because of several factors:

• Increased Chinese military activity: In 2025, Taiwan has seen a sharp rise in Chinese military flights and naval patrols near its territory. For example, in March 2025, Taiwan detected 431 Chinese aircraft and 228 warships operating nearby.
• Expansion of civil flight routes by China: The new W121 extension is seen as an attempt by China to normalize both military and civil presence near Taiwan, making it harder for Taiwan to manage its airspace safely.
• Global attention: International observers are watching closely, as any miscalculation or accident in the Taiwan Strait could have serious consequences for global air travel and security.

Expert Analysis and Official Statements

Military and aviation experts warn that the combination of military exercises, expanded civil flight paths, and increased Chinese military activity raises the risk of mistakes or accidental escalation. If a civil or military plane accidentally crosses into the wrong airspace, it could lead to confusion or even conflict.

Taiwanese officials are urging the public to cooperate fully during the drills and to stay alert for official instructions. They stress that these measures are necessary to keep everyone safe and to show that Taiwan is ready to respond to any threat.

International experts point out that China’s actions are part of a broader strategy to put pressure on Taiwan and test how other countries in the region will respond. This situation could affect not just Taiwan, but also airlines and travelers from around the world who fly through the region.

Practical Advice for Travelers, Airlines, and the Public

If you are planning to travel to or from Taiwan during the Han Kuang exercises, here are some steps you should take:

• Check your flight status with your airline before leaving for the airport. Delays and rescheduling are likely, especially at the seven airports listed by the Civil Aviation Administration.
• Sign up for alerts from the CAA and your airline. These alerts will give you the latest information about flight changes and airport closures.
• Be flexible with your travel plans. You may need to adjust your schedule or find alternative routes if your flight is affected.
• Follow all instructions during air raid and urban resilience drills. If you hear sirens or receive an alert, follow the directions for sheltering or evacuation.

For airlines, close coordination with air traffic controllers and the CAA is essential. Be ready to make last-minute changes to flight schedules and communicate clearly with passengers about any disruptions.

The general public should also pay attention to official alerts and be prepared for temporary closures of transportation hubs and public venues during the drills.

Key Dates and Affected Airports

Here’s a quick summary of the main dates and airports that could be affected by the Han Kuang exercises:

For the most up-to-date information, always check with the Taiwan Civil Aviation Administration and your airline before traveling during this period. The official CAA website provides real-time updates and important notices for travelers: Taiwan Civil Aviation Administration.

How Are the Drills Conducted?

The Han Kuang exercises are not just about military maneuvers. They also include large-scale civil defense drills. During these drills, the government tests how well people can respond to emergencies like air raids or attacks on infrastructure. This year, the urban resilience and air raid drills will take place from July 15 to July 18.

During these times, you may hear sirens, receive alerts on your phone, or see traffic controls in place. Transportation hubs like airports, seaports, and train stations will stop services for short periods, except for trains and metros that are already moving. The government will use TV, radio, loudspeakers, and mobile alerts to give clear instructions about where to go and what to do.

What Are the Risks and Concerns?

The biggest concern is the risk of miscalculation or accidental escalation. With both military and civil flights operating close to the median line in the Taiwan Strait, there is a chance that a plane could stray into the wrong airspace. This could lead to confusion or even a dangerous incident.

The Civil Aviation Administration and the Ministry of National Defense are working hard to coordinate all activities and keep everyone safe. They are also sharing information with airlines and other countries to help prevent misunderstandings.

What Does This Mean for Immigration and International Travel?

For people traveling to or from Taiwan, the Han Kuang exercises and the recent changes in airspace management mean that you should be extra careful when planning your trip. Delays and changes to flight schedules are likely, and you may need to adjust your plans at the last minute.

If you are an immigrant, international student, or business traveler, it’s important to stay informed about the latest developments. The CAA and airlines will provide updates, but you should also be ready to change your plans if needed.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these kinds of disruptions can have a big impact on people who rely on air travel for work, study, or family reasons. It’s important to have backup plans and to keep in touch with your airline and local authorities during this period.

What Should Stakeholders Do Next?

• Travelers: Stay alert for updates, check your flight status often, and be ready to change your plans if needed.
• Airlines: Work closely with the CAA and air traffic controllers, and keep passengers informed about any changes.
• Public: Follow all instructions during drills, and be prepared for temporary closures of transportation hubs and public venues.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Taiwan and the Region?

The Han Kuang exercises and China’s recent airspace changes are likely to keep tensions high in the region. Both Taiwan and China may make more changes to their military or civil aviation policies in the coming weeks, which could lead to further disruptions.

International observers will be watching closely to see how both sides manage these challenges. The safety of travelers, the public, and the stability of the region depend on careful planning and cooperation.

Where to Find More Information

For the latest updates on flight schedules, airport operations, and public safety during the Han Kuang exercises, visit the Taiwan Civil Aviation Administration website. You can also check with your airline for real-time information about your flight.

If you need information about immigration forms or travel documents, contact the relevant government agencies or visit their official websites for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance.

Conclusion: Stay Informed and Prepared

The 2025 Han Kuang exercises are a reminder of the complex security situation in the Taiwan Strait and the importance of being ready for sudden changes. Whether you are a traveler, an airline worker, or a member of the public, staying informed and following official instructions is the best way to stay safe during this period.

By working together and staying alert, everyone can help ensure that the Han Kuang exercises go smoothly and that Taiwan remains prepared for any challenge.

Learn Today

Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) → Taiwan’s government agency managing air traffic and ensuring safety during Han Kuang exercises.
Han Kuang Exercises → Annual Taiwanese military drills testing defense readiness, including air raid and infrastructure attack simulations.
Air raid drills → Simulations involving sirens and evacuation orders to prepare the public for potential aerial attacks.
M503 flight path → A new Chinese civil flight route closer to Taiwan’s median line, increasing airspace tensions.
Urban resilience → Government drills focusing on public safety measures during emergencies like air raids and evacuations.

This Article in a Nutshell

Taiwan braces for Han Kuang military exercises July 9–18, 2025, causing flight delays at seven airports. Civil and military drills will disrupt travel, with sirens, evacuations, and temporary closures. Travelers and airlines must monitor updates closely due to safety risks from new Chinese airspace changes near Taiwan.
— By VisaVerge.com