Direct flights between Taipei and Washington, on the semiconductor route
Eva Air will launch its first nonstop flight between Taiwan and the US capital tomorrow. Beyond the diplomatic significance of the new route, the decision reflects the growing importance of economic relations between Taiwan and the United States, while doubts remain over Washington's military support for the island.
Taipei (AsiaNews) – Taiwan is set to inaugurate its first direct flight to Washington, DC, the US capital.
Starting tomorrow, 26 June, Taiwan-based Eva Air will operate four nonstop flights per week between Taoyuan International Airport, near Taipei, and Washington Dulles International Airport.
This move is not a simple expansion of the airline's commercial offerings, since it comes at a time of growing tensions between China and Taiwan, with the latter currently conducting five days of military exercises to prepare for a potential invasion from the mainland.
During yesterday’s opening ceremony in Taipei, US representative to Taiwan Raymond Greene underlined the importance of the event.
“Thanks to years of joint effort,” he said, “we can finally fly directly from Taoyuan to Washington, DC, an unprecedented milestone, highlighting the growing connection between the United States and Taiwan”.
The direct link to the US capital could further facilitate visits by US lawmakers to Taipei, which have increased since 2022, following the trip of then-Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, which sparked a harsh reaction from China, including military exercises around the island.
Tomorrow's initiative also has strong symbolic value. The Speaker of the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan’s parliament, Han Kuo-yu, and a delegation of lawmakers currently in the United States will be among the first passengers to use the new direct flight back to Taipei.
But the route primarily reflects the strengthening of economic relations between Taiwan and the United States, despite statements by US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly indicated his unwillingness to intervene militarily to defend the island.
More recent statements suggest that military support for Taiwan could be part of negotiations with China, raising further doubts about the future of US support.
Regarding trade, however, ties between the directly two countries are increasingly close. With the new connections, Taiwan now reaches ten US destinations.
Passenger flights between Taipei and the United States have increased by 71 per cent in the last seven years, reaching approximately 743 per month, highlighting the importance of air links between the two countries.
Taiwanese airlines are increasingly investing in the North American market, targeting both direct and transit travellers between Asia and the United States.
Newcomer Starlux Airlines also identified the US as a key market for its international expansion.
By contrast, flights between the United States and China remain below pre-pandemic levels.
Cargo flights from the island to the United States are especially up, as US demand for Taiwan-made semiconductors and advanced technologies keeps growing, driven by demand for artificial intelligence.
Data from 2025 show that Taiwanese exports to the United States jumped by 329 per cent from 2019, generating significant revenue for domestic airlines and cementing Taiwan's role as a strategic hub in global technological innovation chains.
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