Chiayi Airport

Chiayi Airport is not just a transport hub, but a cozy and peaceful aerial gateway to the southern part of Taiwan. Located at the crossroads of the tropics and urban civilization, this small airport serves as the ideal starting point for those aiming to conquer the misty peaks of the famous Alishan mountain range or travel to the sunny Penghu Islands. Here, far from the hustle and bustle of giant international hubs, travellers can enjoy a leisurely pace and a special, almost home-like hospitality, which marks the beginning of an acquaintance with the region's authentic culture.

Airport Features and Advantages:

The main advantage of Chiayi Airport is its compactness and speed of service. Thanks to the low passenger flow and the presence of only one terminal, completing all pre-flight formalities here takes mere minutes, eliminating the need to arrive several hours before departure. The airport is a joint-use facility with the Republic of China Air Force, so passengers can often witness a unique spectacle — the take-offs and landings of military fighter jets parallel to civil flights.

Its geographical location makes it a strategically important point for tourists: it is located just a few kilometres from the city centre and has convenient transport links to the High Speed Rail station (HSR Chiayi). For travellers, this means the ability to quickly reach the protected forests of Alishan or transfer hubs leading to other parts of the island.

Although the terminal infrastructure is quite modest and includes only basic amenities (a small shop, vending machines, and a waiting area), this is compensated by cleanliness, clear navigation, and the friendliness of the staff. It is an ideal choice for those who value time and prefer quick regional flights over complex routes.

Below is the main contact information for passengers at Chiayi Airport. We recommend always checking for up-to-date data on the official website before your trip.

• Official Website: https://www.cya.gov.tw/ (available in Chinese and English).
• Information Service Phone: +886-5-2869131.
• Airport Address: No. 1, Jichang Road, Shuishang Township, Chiayi County 608, Taiwan.
• Email: cya@mail.cya.gov.tw
• Social Media: At the moment, the airport does not maintain active official pages on popular social networks. The main source of information remains the official website.
• Lost and Found Information: If you have left items in the terminal building, please contact the Lost and Found service at +886-5-2869131 (extension 237). For issues related to checked baggage, please contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For general inquiries, you can contact the main airport phone number.

Getting to Chiayi Airport, which serves the city of the same name in Taiwan, is quite simple thanks to several modes of transport. The choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. The airport is located in Shuishang Township, approximately 8 kilometres from the centre of Chiayi city, making the trip fast and convenient.

Public Transport is the most economical method. The main means of connection are buses. Special routes by Chiayi County Bus link the airport with two key transport hubs in the city: the railway station TRA Chiayi (for regular trains) and the high-speed railway station HSR Chiayi. The bus journey from either of these stations takes about 20-30 minutes. This is an ideal option for budget travellers arriving in Chiayi by train.

Taxi or Private Transfer offers maximum convenience and speed. A taxi ride from the centre of Chiayi to the airport will take approximately 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. This is an excellent choice if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or in a group. The cost will be higher than the bus, but the comfort and direct delivery to the terminal compensate for this. You can also book a transfer in advance, which guarantees a fixed price and a driver waiting upon arrival.

Car Rental is a wonderful option for those planning to explore not only the city but also its picturesque surroundings, for example, the famous Alishan National Park. Car rental points are located both in the city itself and near major transport hubs. Chiayi Airport is equipped with parking where you can leave a car for a short or long term, which is convenient if you have arrived in your own vehicle.

If your plans are flexible or you are looking for alternative routes, it is worth considering other air harbours in the region. Nearby are Tainan Airport (about 60 km) and the busy Magong Airport on the Penghu Islands. Additionally, there are larger international hubs in the region, such as Kaohsiung International Airport and Taichung International Airport, offering significantly more flights.

Chiayi Airport (CYI) is a compact and functional aviation hub that serves passengers within a single terminal. Its structure is extremely simple, making navigation quick and convenient. The terminal is used for both domestic flights within Taiwan and for serving a limited number of international charter flights.

The layout of the terminal is intuitive. All key zones — check-in, security screening, departure waiting, and baggage claim — are located in one building a short distance from each other. Since there is only one terminal, passengers do not need to worry about transferring between buildings. Navigation is simplified by clear signs in Chinese and English, so it is practically impossible to get lost here.

The departure zone includes airline check-in counters and a security checkpoint. Immediately behind them is a small waiting hall with boarding gates. The arrival zone is located in another part of the building and consists of a baggage claim hall and a customs control counter for those arriving from abroad. Thanks to the modest size of the airport and low passenger flow, all pre-flight and post-flight formalities proceed very quickly. Usually, check-in and security take no more than 20-30 minutes.

To navigate the airport in the city of Chiayi, it is sufficient to follow the standard signs "Departures" and "Arrivals". The main advice is not to arrive too long before departure, as you would at large international hubs. Arriving 1.5-2 hours before an international flight and 1 hour before a domestic one will be more than enough to go through all procedures calmly and without haste.

The history of Chiayi Airport (CYI) dates back to the period of Japanese rule in Taiwan. It was founded in 1936 as a military airfield for the needs of the Imperial Japanese Army and played a strategic role during World War II. After the end of the war, the facility passed under the control of the Republic of China Air Force (Taiwan) and remains one of the country's key airbases to this day, where, in particular, F-16 fighter jets are based.

The era of civil aviation for Chiayi began significantly later. In 1976, the airport was officially opened for domestic passenger transport, which was an important step for developing the region's transport accessibility. The first flights connected Chiayi with Taipei. However, for many years, civil infrastructure remained modest and functioned in parallel with active military activity.

Significant modernization took place in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. To meet the growing needs of passengers, new terminals were built. A modern passenger terminal was opened for domestic flights, and later an international terminal was added. An important achievement was the launch of international charter flights in 2013, which linked Chiayi with cities such as Osaka and Nagasaki in Japan. This step not only raised the status of the airport but also contributed to the development of tourism in the region, especially among pilgrims visiting local temples.

An interesting fact: Chiayi Airport is a prime example of a dual-use facility. Passengers waiting for their flight can often observe the take-offs and landings of military aircraft, which adds uniqueness to this transport hub. Today, the airport continues to serve both domestic routes, mainly to the islands of Kinmen and Penghu, and irregular international flights, playing an important role in the life of the city and its surroundings.

Chiayi Airport (CYI) offers its passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the airport is well-equipped and focused on creating a pleasant atmosphere for travellers arriving in Taiwan or departing from it.

Within the terminal, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can have a bite to eat or drink a cup of coffee before departure. There are also shops where you can purchase souvenirs, travel goods, and locally produced products. This is a great opportunity to buy last-minute gifts for loved ones.

For the convenience of passengers, free Wi-Fi and charging stations for electronic devices are available throughout the airport. Comfortable waiting halls allow you to relax while waiting for boarding. Although there may not be specialized VIP lounges, the general areas are comfortable enough for resting.

Chiayi Airport has ATMs and currency exchange points, making it easy to solve financial matters upon arrival or before departure. In case of need, there is a medical station in the terminal where first aid can be provided.

The airport cares for all categories of passengers. For travellers with small children, mother and child rooms are equipped. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on special assistance, and the airport infrastructure, including ramps and adapted toilets, ensures a barrier-free environment.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport territory, there are many accommodation options for every taste and budget in the immediate vicinity, in Chiayi city. Regarding business services, such as conference rooms, it is recommended to check their availability and rental possibilities at the airport information desk.

Chiayi Airport (CYI) is a small regional aviation hub, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest and mainly focused on quick snacks. It is important to note that all cafes and shops are located in the public zone before security control (landside). In the sterile zone (airside) after screening, opportunities to eat are practically non-existent, so it is better to take care of food in advance.

The main place to buy food and drinks is a convenience store, typically belonging to one of the popular chains in Taiwan. Here, passengers will find a good selection of packaged sandwiches, onigiri (rice triangles with filling), salads, pastries, and ready-made lunch boxes (bento) that can serve as a full meal. The assortment also includes chips, sweets, and a wide selection of drinks, including local tea, coffee, and juices. This is an ideal option for a quick and inexpensive snack.

Besides the store, a small cafe may operate in the terminal, where you can order freshly brewed coffee, tea, and light snacks, such as cakes or buns. This is a good place to sit and rest while waiting for a flight. Prices at Chiayi Airport are generally moderate, comparable to city cafes.

Passengers with specific dietary needs should be particularly careful. While vegetarian options can be found in the store (for example, bento or salads with appropriate labelling), the choice is limited. Vegan options, as well as certified Halal or gluten-free dishes, are likely to be unavailable. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is recommended to bring food with you. Establishments usually operate according to the flight schedule, opening in the morning and closing after the departure of the last flight.

To ensure your journey through Chiayi Airport goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible, take advantage of our tips. Planning ahead will help avoid unnecessary stress and make the beginning or end of your trip to Taiwan more pleasant.

Arrival Time and Check-in. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 1 hour before domestic flights and 1.5-2 hours before international charter flights. This time will be enough to calmly go through all procedures. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready at the airport for security control.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection. It is prohibited to carry liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, sharp objects, and other dangerous substances in hand luggage. Electronic devices with lithium batteries, such as power banks, are permitted only in hand luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat will offer beautiful views, while an aisle seat offers more freedom to move around the cabin.

Transfers and Customs. Chiayi Airport mainly serves domestic destinations, so complex international connections are unlikely here. If you have a transfer planned, check with your carrier in advance whether you will need to collect your luggage and check in again. When passing through customs control upon arrival, be ready to present your passport and a completed immigration card.

Saving Time and Money. To avoid extra charges, check your airline's baggage allowance in advance. Bring an empty water bottle with you — after passing security, it can be filled at drinking fountains. It is also useful to study the public transport schedule in advance or book a transfer to get to the city without unnecessary expenses.

If the Flight is Delayed. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, immediately contact your airline's counter for up-to-date information. Find out about your rights to drinks, meals, or a hotel in case of a long delay. Keep all receipts for forced expenses — they may be needed to receive compensation from the airline or through travel insurance.