This aerial view shows crowds of people
Starlux Airlines has launched a direct flight route from Taichung to Nagoya, Japan. Four flights will be scheduled during the last week of October, with plans to increase to daily flights starting in November. This new route is expected to improve travel convenience between central Taiwan and the central region of Japan. (Image shows a Starlux Airlines aircraft.)

【TAICHUNG, Oct. 26】 Taiwan's STARLUX Airlines has launched a direct route between Taichung and Nagoya, Japan, and plans to increase service to one flight a day from November. The new route gives travelers in central Taiwan direct access to central Japan while providing more options for tourism and business travel between Taiwan and Japan.

According to a Focus Taiwan report published by the Central News Agency on Oct. 26, STARLUX began operating the Taichung-Nagoya route on Oct. 25 and held a launch event at Chubu Centrair International Airport.

Wang Yun-hsiang, a STARLUX executive in Japan, said Nagoya is a key transportation hub for the region. In addition to the city's historical and cultural attractions, it serves as a gateway to destinations including Hida-Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kamikochi and Kanazawa.

Under the airline's schedule, four flights will operate during the final week of October, with service expanding to one flight a day from November. STARLUX said the addition of the Nagoya route will bring the total number of weekly flights departing from Taichung to 66 in November.

For travelers in central Taiwan, direct flights from Taichung to Nagoya reduce the need to travel to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to catch a flight and make it easier to plan short trips to central Japan. For Japanese travelers, direct flights also make it more convenient to visit Taichung and surrounding cities.

Central Japan is known for its historic districts, mountain scenery, hot springs and traditional villages. Taichung, meanwhile, offers urban tourism, dining, cultural activities and convenient access to the mountains of central Taiwan. Airlines generally hope direct routes will allow travelers to combine city sightseeing with trips to nearby areas, helping to expand demand.

However, whether the new route can maintain a stable passenger load will depend on fares, seasonal demand, flight schedules and the itineraries arranged by travel operators. Passengers should check the airline's latest flight information, baggage rules and ticket conditions before departure.