CAL and Starlux Face Penalties for Aviation Procedural Violations

Key Takeaways

• CAA probed 503 Taiwan flights during October 30–31, 2024, after Typhoon Kong-rey disruptions.
• China Airlines had 1 hard landing and 2 overworked crew violations; Starlux had 2 hard landings.
• Potential fines range from NT$600,000 to NT$3 million per violation; airlines must improve training.

As of June 2025, Taiwan’s aviation sector is facing a period of intense scrutiny after the Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) announced that both China Airlines and Starlux Airlines could face significant penalties for procedural violations during Typhoon Kong-rey. The CAA’s investigation, which followed widespread media coverage of flight disruptions on October 30–31, 2024, has brought to light several issues involving hard landings and overworked cabin crew. These findings have important implications for airlines, crew members, and passengers, and signal a shift toward stricter enforcement of aviation safety and labor standards in Taiwan.

What Happened: The Typhoon Kong-rey Incident

On October 30 and 31, 2024, Typhoon Kong-rey swept across Taiwan, causing severe weather conditions that disrupted hundreds of flights. During these two days, the CAA reviewed a total of 503 flights operated by Taiwanese airlines. The investigation focused on operational safety, crew work hours, and how airlines responded to the challenges posed by the typhoon.

Key Findings from the CAA Investigation

• Three hard landings were recorded: one involving a China Airlines flight at Taipei Songshan Airport, and two involving Starlux Airlines flights at Taoyuan International Airport and Kaohsiung International Airport.
• Nine cases of overworked cabin crew were identified. Seven of these were due to force majeure, which means they were caused by events outside the airlines’ control, such as weather delays. The remaining two cases were linked directly to China Airlines’ dispatch decisions.
• No aircraft damage was found after thorough inspections, despite the hard landings.

The CAA’s findings have led to warnings and the possibility of fines for both China Airlines and Starlux Airlines. The penalties under consideration range from NT$600,000 to NT$3 million (US$18,309 to US$91,547) per violation. The final decision on penalties is expected soon, but both airlines have already been told to improve pilot training and revise their dispatch policies for severe weather.

Why the CAA Is Taking Action

The CAA is responsible for ensuring the safety of Taiwan’s aviation sector. When incidents like hard landings or overworked crew occur, especially during extreme weather, the CAA must investigate to determine if airlines followed proper procedures. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, regulatory bodies worldwide expect airlines to have strong plans in place for dealing with severe weather and to always put safety first, even if it means delaying or canceling flights.

The CAA’s actions are meant to:

• Protect passenger and crew safety by making sure airlines follow strict rules, especially during dangerous weather.
• Hold airlines accountable for any lapses in safety or labor standards.
• Encourage continuous improvement in how airlines manage risks and disruptions.

How the Investigation Unfolded

The process followed by the CAA after Typhoon Kong-rey is a good example of how aviation regulators respond to major incidents. Here’s a step-by-step look at what happened:

1. Incident Occurrence: Typhoon Kong-rey caused severe weather, leading to hard landings and extended crew duty periods.
2. Media Reports: News outlets and the public raised concerns about flight disruptions and possible safety issues.
3. CAA Investigation: The CAA launched a comprehensive review, examining flight records, weather data, crew work logs, and aircraft inspection reports.
4. Findings Issued: The CAA identified specific violations and formally notified China Airlines and Starlux Airlines.
5. Airline Response: Both airlines were given a chance to explain their actions or provide mitigating factors.
6. Penalty Consideration: The CAA is now deciding on the appropriate sanctions, which could include warnings or fines under the Civil Aviation Act.
7. Corrective Actions: The airlines have been told to take steps such as improving pilot training and updating dispatch policies.
8. Final Penalty Issuance: The CAA will soon announce the final penalties and will monitor the airlines’ compliance with corrective measures.

What the Airlines Are Required to Do

Both China Airlines and Starlux Airlines have been instructed to:

• Enhance pilot training for flying in bad weather. This means more practice and education on how to handle dangerous conditions like typhoons.
• Adjust flight dispatch protocols to better manage crew work hours, especially during disruptions. This is to prevent situations where crew members are forced to work longer than allowed, which can lead to fatigue and safety risks.

These steps are not just about avoiding future penalties—they are also about making sure that both passengers and crew are kept safe, no matter what challenges arise.

The Role of the Civil Aviation Administration

The Civil Aviation Administration is Taiwan’s main aviation regulator. Its job is to enforce the Civil Aviation Act, which sets out rules for airline operations, safety, and labor standards. The CAA has the power to investigate incidents, issue warnings, and impose fines when airlines break the rules.

For more information about the CAA’s responsibilities and the Civil Aviation Act, you can visit the official CAA website.

Impact on Airlines: China Airlines and Starlux Airlines

China Airlines

China Airlines is Taiwan’s largest and oldest airline. It was involved in one hard landing and two cases of overworked cabin crew that were not caused by the weather, but by the airline’s own dispatch decisions. This puts extra pressure on China Airlines to show that it can balance operational efficiency with safety and labor standards.

Starlux Airlines

Starlux Airlines is Taiwan’s newest full-service airline. It was involved in two hard landings, but all cases of overworked crew were due to force majeure, meaning they were caused by the typhoon and not by the airline’s planning. Starlux is also in the process of joining the Oneworld alliance, which will require it to meet even stricter international safety and operational standards.

Both airlines are now under close watch by the CAA and must demonstrate that they are taking the necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Implications for Crew Members

For cabin crew and pilots, the CAA’s investigation is a reminder of the importance of work hour limits and proper rest. Overworked crew members can make mistakes, which puts everyone on board at risk. The CAA’s strict enforcement of these rules is likely to be welcomed by crew unions and staff, who want to see their welfare protected.

Crew members can expect:

• Stricter enforcement of work hour limits during disruptions.
• Better protocols for crew changes when flights are delayed or rescheduled due to weather.
• More support from airlines to ensure they are not forced to work beyond safe limits.

What Passengers Can Expect

For passengers, these developments may mean:

• More conservative decisions by airlines during severe weather, such as earlier cancellations or diversions, to avoid regulatory penalties.
• Improved safety standards as airlines invest in better training and systems.
• Possible delays or changes to flight schedules during typhoons or other extreme weather events.

While this might cause some inconvenience, it is ultimately aimed at keeping passengers safe.

Broader Industry Impact

The CAA’s actions are likely to have ripple effects across Taiwan’s aviation sector. Other airlines will be watching closely and may review their own procedures to avoid similar penalties. This could lead to:

• Increased investment in weather monitoring and crew management systems.
• More frequent reviews of standard operating procedures for severe weather.
• Greater focus on compliance with safety and labor regulations.

These changes are part of a global trend, as airlines everywhere face growing challenges from climate change and more frequent extreme weather events.

Policy and Regulatory Context

Taiwan’s aviation sector is known for its strict regulation. The CAA has a history of enforcing safety and labor standards, and past incidents involving crew fatigue or operational lapses have led to significant fines and policy changes. However, no new amendments to the Civil Aviation Act have been announced in direct response to the Typhoon Kong-rey incidents. Instead, the CAA is focusing on stricter enforcement of existing rules.

The penalties being considered are based on the Civil Aviation Act, which allows for fines of NT$600,000 to NT$3 million per violation. The CAA’s willingness to use these penalties shows its commitment to upholding high standards.

Multiple Perspectives on the Issue

Regulators

The CAA’s main goal is to keep the skies safe. By investigating incidents and imposing penalties, the CAA hopes to deter future violations and encourage airlines to take safety and labor standards seriously.

Airlines

China Airlines and Starlux Airlines must balance the need to keep flights running during disruptions with the need to follow strict rules. The threat of large fines and public scrutiny is likely to push them to invest more in training, technology, and better planning.

Crew Unions

Unions representing pilots and cabin crew are likely to support the CAA’s actions, as they help protect workers from being overworked, especially during stressful situations like typhoons.

Passengers

While passengers may face more delays or cancellations, most will appreciate the focus on safety and proper crew management.

Historical Background and Future Outlook

Taiwan’s aviation sector has faced similar challenges in the past, but the increasing frequency of severe weather events is putting new pressure on airlines and regulators. Starlux Airlines, founded in 2018, is expanding rapidly and aiming to join the Oneworld alliance by the end of 2025. This will bring even more international scrutiny and require the airline to meet global standards.

Looking ahead:

• Final penalties for China Airlines and Starlux Airlines are expected soon.
• The CAA may issue updated guidance or regulations for flight operations during severe weather.
• Other airlines are likely to review their own procedures to avoid similar problems.
• Starlux’s global ambitions mean it will need to maintain high standards to succeed internationally.

Summary Table: Key Details

What Should Stakeholders Do Next?

• Airlines: Review and update training, dispatch, and crew management systems. Prepare for possible fines and public scrutiny.
• Crew Members: Stay informed about work hour limits and report any concerns to supervisors or unions.
• Passengers: Check for updates from airlines during severe weather and understand that delays or cancellations may be necessary for safety.
• Industry Observers: Watch for new CAA guidance or regulations and monitor how airlines respond.

Where to Find More Information

For official updates and detailed information, visit the Civil Aviation Administration’s website. You can also check the official websites of China Airlines and Starlux Airlines for press releases and statements.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the CAA’s investigation and pending penalties are a clear sign that Taiwan’s aviation sector is moving toward even higher standards of safety and accountability. This is good news for everyone who flies in and out of Taiwan, as it means airlines will be working harder than ever to keep passengers and crew safe, even when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Learn Today

Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) → Taiwan’s aviation authority responsible for enforcing flight safety and labor regulations.
Hard Landing → An aircraft landing with unusually high vertical speed that can stress the plane’s structure.
Force Majeure → Uncontrollable events like severe weather that excuse airlines from certain operational liabilities.
Dispatch Decisions → Operational choices by airlines on flight scheduling and crew assignments during disruptions.
NT$ → New Taiwan Dollar, Taiwan’s official currency used for fines and penalties.

This Article in a Nutshell

Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration investigates Taiwan airlines after Typhoon Kong-rey. China Airlines and Starlux face penalties for hard landings and overworked crews, signaling stricter aviation safety and labor enforcement ahead to protect passengers and staff during extreme weather events.
— By VisaVerge.com