By KHT Staff. AI illustration image.
KAOHSIUNG — DPP Kaohsiung mayoral hopeful Lai Jui-lung (賴瑞隆) on Thursday called for a three-stage aviation plan for the city, including upgrades to Kaohsiung International Airport and a long-term study of a 24-hour offshore airport.
The Liberty Times reports Lai said Kaohsiung’s aviation strategy should begin with the ongoing upgrade of Kaohsiung International Airport (高雄國際機場), commonly known as Siaogang Airport (小港機場), followed by expanded international routes and a longer-term plan for an offshore airport serving southern Taiwan.
He said the central government is investing NT$88 billion in a new terminal project at Kaohsiung International Airport. After the first and second phases are completed, annual passenger capacity is expected to rise to 16.5 million, he said.
Lai said the upgrade should improve airport circulation and introduce smart services, calling it Kaohsiung’s most important aviation infrastructure project in the short term.
In the medium term, Lai said Kaohsiung should seek more wide-body aircraft services and international routes to support business travel, exhibitions, tourism, port logistics, and high-tech industries.
For the long term, Lai said the city should evaluate a 24-hour offshore airport near the waters off the Nansing Project Area (南星計畫區). He said an offshore site could reduce the effect of nighttime takeoffs and landings on urban neighborhoods while supporting international cargo and long-haul routes.
Lai said he and Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) support professional evaluation of possible offshore locations, including planning for land reclamation, nighttime flight operations, cargo services, transportation links, and division of roles with Siaogang.
He said many major metropolitan areas use more than one airport, citing Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports, Seoul’s Gimpo and Incheon airports, and northern Taiwan’s Taipei Songshan Airport and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
Lai said Kaohsiung should plan aviation capacity around the needs of southern Taiwan’s industries, tourism, logistics, and international business.
