China Airlines will launch its first-ever nonstop flights between Taipei and Phoenix on December 3, 2025, making it the first Asian airline to serve Phoenix. This new route opens a direct link between Taiwan and Arizona, offering travelers and businesses a faster, more convenient way to connect across the Pacific.
The new service will run three times a week—on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—using the modern Airbus A350-900. The plane features three classes, giving travelers a choice of comfort and price. The outbound flight (CI036) leaves Taipei Taoyuan International Airport at 10:55 and lands in Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport at 08:00 the same day, thanks to the time difference. The return flight (CI035) departs Phoenix at 11:55, stops in Los Angeles at 12:20, and then continues to Taipei, arriving at 21:30 the next day. Importantly, the Phoenix–Los Angeles segment is not sold separately; only passengers traveling through to Taipei or Los Angeles can book this leg.
Introductory fares start at TWD 22,790 (about USD 647) before taxes. These special prices are available for a limited time and can be booked on the China Airlines website, app, or through authorized travel agents. The airline announced the new route in a press release on July 24, 2025, and updated its website with booking details the next day.
This launch is a big step for Phoenix, which has never had direct flights to Asia-Pacific before. As the first Asian carrier to serve Phoenix, China Airlines is filling a gap for both business and leisure travelers. Phoenix has grown into a major tech and business hub, and demand for direct flights to Asia has increased. Local officials and airport leaders have welcomed the new service, saying it will boost tourism, business travel, and economic ties with Asia.
A key feature of this new route is its partnership with Southwest Airlines. Phoenix is a major hub for Southwest, and the partnership allows passengers to connect easily to over 30 U.S. cities. Travelers can check their luggage through to their final destination, and all connections happen within the same terminal at Phoenix Sky Harbor. This makes the journey smoother for people traveling beyond Phoenix.
China Airlines’ expansion into Phoenix marks its seventh North American destination, joining New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Ontario, San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver. With this new route, China Airlines now operates 40 round-trip flights to North America each week. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this move reflects the airline’s long-term strategy to grow its presence in the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦, meeting the needs of both business and leisure travelers.
The competitive landscape is also changing. Starlux Airlines, another Taiwanese carrier, plans to launch its own nonstop Taipei–Phoenix service on January 15, 2026. Starlux will start with three flights a week, increasing to four in March 2026. Unlike China Airlines, Starlux will fly nonstop in both directions, while China Airlines’ return flight includes a stop in Los Angeles. This competition is expected to give travelers more choices and possibly better fares.
China Airlines announced the new route
Website updated with booking details
First nonstop flight from Taipei to Phoenix
Starlux Airlines plans to launch its nonstop service
Starlux Airlines plans to increase flights to four per week
Aviation experts say the new China Airlines route is a direct response to growing demand for Asia–Southwest U.S. travel. The region’s tech industry, universities, and growing Asian communities all benefit from easier access to Asia. Local leaders in Phoenix have highlighted the positive impact on tourism and business, with more visitors and new investment opportunities expected.
For travelers, the new Taipei–Phoenix route brings several benefits:
– Time savings: Direct flights cut travel time and reduce the hassle of connecting through other cities.
– Convenience: The partnership with Southwest Airlines means easy connections to many U.S. cities.
– Comfort: The Airbus A350-900 offers modern amenities and three cabin classes.
Before this launch, Phoenix was one of the largest U.S. cities without direct flights to Asia-Pacific. China Airlines has steadily grown its North American network over the past 50 years, and adding Phoenix is a strategic move. The airline has also announced plans to increase flights to New York and improve passenger experiences at JFK’s new Terminal One in 2026.
Looking ahead, both China Airlines and Starlux are expected to increase their presence in Phoenix, which could mean more flights and better deals for travelers. The partnership with Southwest Airlines may also grow, offering even more seamless travel options for people flying between Asia and the United States 🇺🇸.
Travelers interested in booking the new Taipei–Phoenix flights can visit the official China Airlines website at www.china-airlines.com or contact their U.S. customer service at 1-800-227-5118. For airport information, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport provides details on arrivals, departures, and services at www.skyharbor.com.
For those planning to visit the United States 🇺🇸, it’s important to check visa requirements before booking. The official U.S. government website at travel.state.gov offers up-to-date information on visa types, application forms, and processing times.
In summary, the new China Airlines service between Taipei and Phoenix, starting December 3, 2025, marks a major step forward in Asia–U.S. air travel. With three weekly flights, competitive fares, and strong partnerships, this route will help connect people, businesses, and cultures across the Pacific. As more airlines enter the market and partnerships grow, travelers can expect even more options and convenience in the years ahead.
Learn Today
Nonstop flights → Flights traveling directly between two cities without any intermediate stops or layovers.
Airbus A350-900 → A modern wide-body aircraft designed for long-haul flights, offering advanced comfort and fuel efficiency.
Introductory fares → Special discounted ticket prices offered during the initial period after a new route launches.
Southwest Airlines → A major U.S. low-cost airline known for extensive domestic networks and convenient connections.
Connecting flights → Flights that require passengers to change planes at an intermediate airport during travel.
This Article in a Nutshell
China Airlines will inaugurate direct flights from Taipei to Phoenix on December 3, 2025, marking the first Asian service to Phoenix. Flights operate thrice weekly with Airbus A350-900, linking Asia and the U.S. Southwest Airlines partnership offers seamless connections to over 30 U.S. cities, boosting regional access and travel convenience.
— By VisaVerge.com
