Taiwan-based China Airlines inaugurated the Taipei-Chiang Mai route today (1/20). Chiang Mai is the second scheduled service to be launched by China Airlines and its introduction, alongside the busy Taipei-Bangkok and Kaohsiung-Bangkok services, means that China Airlines now operates up to 27 round trip flights to Thailand each week. The new route will provide travelers with more options for direct flights. The three new destinations of Cebu, Da Nang and Chiang Mai launched by China Airlines are now all in place in the lead-up to the Lunar New Year as part of the carrier’s aggressive campaign to target the Southeast Asia passenger market.

China Airlines has assigned its newest A321neo passenger aircraft to the Taipei-Chiang Mai route. All passengers on the inaugural flight will receive a limited-edition inaugural flight gift pack from China Airlines, including the limited edition 2023 China Airlines desktop calendar and eco-friendly roll-up silicone water bottle. The inaugural flight will be welcomed with a water salute and, upon arrival in Chiang Mai, each traveler will also receive a Chiang Mai Handmade scarf.

Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand and it is steeped in culture and history with many heritage sites and temples. Visitors can take a stroll through the city to experience the glory that was the Lanna Kingdom, or venture into the Nimman district with its trendy cultural creativity shops or specialty café popular among the younger generation. The traditional cuisine, varied natural scenery and pleasant climate all-year-round, make Chiang Mai a favorite holiday destination for international visitors as well. 

Direct flights to the second largest city of Thailand will have a duration of four hours. For the Taipei-Chiang Mai route, flight CI851 will depart at 08:05 in the morning every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and arrive at 11:15 local time; the return flight CI852 will depart at 12:15 noon local time and return to Taoyuan International Airport at 16:40 in the afternoon. Early departure and afternoon return help passengers with planning their itinerary.

The launch of the Chiang Mai route will not only benefit Taiwanese travelers heading to the city but China Airlines is also targeting the market for North American and European travelers transiting through Taiwan on the way to Thailand. The 32 flights on North American routes operated by China Airlines each week will help strengthen Taiwan’s status as a transit hub between Southeast Asia and North America. China Airlines now operates 18 weekly flights on the Taipei-Bangkok route, and five weekly flights on the Kaohsiung-Bangkok route. The addition of four weekly flights on the Chiang Mai route means it will now offer 27 round trip flights to Thailand each week, greatly boosting convenience for business and tourist travel between the two regions.