As a popular travel destination for Taiwanese citizens, Japan will host Expo 2025 in Osaka. In response to this event, EVA Air (長榮航空) and Starlux Airlines (星宇航空) have today officially launched their first flights from Taoyuan International Airport or Taichung Chingchuang International Airport to Kobe Kansai International Airport.

EVA Air currently operates fourteen routes connecting Taiwan with Japan, including Tokyo Narita, Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka, and others. The airline is now adding a route between Taipei (Taoyuan) and Kobe using the Airbus A321-200 aircraft to further strengthen its network.

Kobe’s historical significance and unique charm make it an attractive tourist destination for travelers worldwide. With Expo 2025 taking place in Osaka, EVA Air aims to expand flight capacity within the Kansai region by launching this new route from Taoyuan International Airport to Kobe, becoming Taiwan's airline with the most flights heading towards Kansai.

Starlux Airlines also launched its inaugural service today between Taipei (Taoyuan) and Kobe, as well as a daily direct connection linking Taichung Chingchuang International Airport and Kobe. Starlux is the first carrier in Japan to utilize domestically produced sustainable aviation fuel at Kobe airport, reducing carbon emissions by 2.67 tons for every ton of SAF used.

The new routes will offer passengers access to iconic attractions such as Port Tower (神戶港塔), Himeji Castle (姬路城), and Dogo Onsen (道後溫泉). Starlux Airlines plans to provide three weekly flights from Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, while offering daily service between Taichung Chingchuang International Airport and Kobe Kansai International Airport using the Airbus A321neo aircraft.