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Taipei, Taiwan – Starlux Airlines is expanding its international reach with the launch of direct flights to Busan, South Korea, beginning June 1. Tickets for both routes – from Taoyuan and Taichung – will go on sale starting Thursday, the airline announced Monday. This marks Starlux’s first foray into the South Korean market and a significant step in its growth strategy.
The new service includes daily flights between Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and Gimhae International Airport in Busan. Notably, Starlux will also be the first Taiwanese carrier to offer a direct route between Taichung International Airport and Busan, operating flights on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings, departing at 8:10 a.m. Local time. This expansion caters to growing demand, as South Korea ranked as the third most popular destination for Taiwanese travelers in 2025, following Japan and China, according to Tourism Administration statistics according to the Taipei Times.
Expanding Options for Taiwanese Travelers
Starlux CEO Glenn Chai (翟健華) emphasized the importance of these new routes, stating they will not only extend the airline’s international service but also represent a milestone for the company. The Taichung-Busan route, in particular, aims to provide greater convenience for travelers in central Taiwan, eliminating the require to connect through Taipei or Taoyuan to reach South Korea as reported by Focus Taiwan. This aligns with Starlux’s broader plans to develop travel options from Taichung.
Flight schedules are as follows: departures from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport will be offered on Monday and Wednesday mornings at 8:15 a.m., and on all other days of the week at 2:45 p.m. Flights from Taichung International Airport to Busan will depart on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday mornings at 8:10 a.m. These schedules are tentative and subject to change.
Growing Network Across Asia and North America
Starlux currently operates 37 routes to 31 cities across North America and Asia, including destinations like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Ontario, California, Seattle, Phoenix, Arizona, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, and Macau as detailed on Focus Taiwan. Prague is slated to become the airline’s first European destination, launching on August 1, 2026.
The airline’s commitment to expanding its network reflects the increasing demand for international travel from Taiwan. The launch of these Busan routes is expected to further solidify Starlux’s position as a key player in the region’s aviation industry.
What comes next for Starlux involves the continued rollout of its European expansion, beginning with Prague, and ongoing assessment of opportunities to connect Taiwanese travelers with destinations around the globe. The airline’s success will depend on its ability to adapt to evolving travel trends and maintain its commitment to service quality.
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