Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) was built in the 1970s when Taipei’s original Songshan Airport became overcrowded with no room for expansion. As part of Taiwan’s “Ten Major Construction Projects,” the government developed this new international gateway approximately 40 kilometers west of Taipei.
The airport opened on February 26, 1979, as Chiang Kai-shek International Airport, featuring a single terminal designed by Taiwanese-American engineer Tung-Yen Lin. The design drew inspiration from Washington Dulles International Airport with its distinctive curved roof.
For over two decades, the airport operated with just one terminal until growing passenger traffic necessitated expansion. Terminal 2 was inaugurated in July 2000 and became fully operational by January 2005. A significant change came on September 6, 2006, when the airport was officially renamed Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, reflecting its geographical location rather than its political association.
The airport has welcomed several aviation milestones, including the emergency landing of the first Airbus A380 in April 2011 and the first scheduled A380 service by Emirates in October 2012. Despite challenges during the global financial crisis, the airport has recovered and continues to grow as Taiwan’s primary international gateway.
TPE Stats and Quick Facts
- Official Name: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (IATA: TPE, ICAO: RCTP)
- Location: Dayuan District, Taoyuan City, approximately 40 kilometers west of Taipei
- Opening Date: February 26, 1979
- Renamed: From Chiang Kai-shek International Airport to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport on September 6, 2006
- Elevation: 33 meters (108 feet) above sea level
- Size: Among the largest airports in Taiwan
- Runways: Two parallel runways
- Terminals: Currently two passenger terminals, with a third under construction
- Passenger Traffic: Handled a record 46.5 million passengers in 2018
- Cargo Volume: 2.3 billion kg (2.5 million tons) of freight in 2018
- Global Ranking: 11th busiest airport worldwide by international passenger traffic in 2018
- Cargo Ranking: 8th busiest in terms of international freight traffic in 2018
- Regional Importance: Taiwan’s largest and busiest international airport
- Hub Airlines: China Airlines, EVA Air, Starlux Airlines, Mandarin Airlines, Uni Air, and Tigerair Taiwan
Facilities
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport offers comprehensive facilities across its two operational terminals. Terminal 1, the original structure from 1979, spans 169,500 square meters and features 22 boarding gates. After several renovations, it maintains its distinctive character while offering modern amenities. Terminal 2, larger and more contemporary, opened in phases between 2000 and 2005 and features 20 gates with modern jet bridges.
Connecting between terminals is convenient via an underground passage with moving walkways or the Taoyuan Airport Skytrain, which provides separate cars for security-cleared and non-cleared passengers. The Taoyuan Airport MRT also serves both terminals and the Airport Hotel.
For premium travelers, the Huan Yu VIP Terminal (Taoyuan Business Aviation Centre) provides exclusive services including private lounges, conference rooms, shower facilities, spa services, and expedited processing. Both main terminals feature airline lounges operated by carriers such as China Airlines and EVA Air.
To streamline immigration, the airport employs an advanced E-Gate system using facial recognition and fingerprint technology for eligible Taiwan citizens and resident certificate holders. Security areas throughout the airport use state-of-the-art screening technology with dedicated lanes for travelers requiring special assistance.
Commercial amenities include extensive duty-free shopping, diverse dining options, 24-hour convenience stores, banking facilities, and currency exchange. Practical services include complimentary Wi-Fi, charging stations, comfortable seating areas, prayer rooms, medical facilities, children’s play areas, and shower facilities for transit passengers.
The airport also serves as a critical cargo hub, with two major terminals operated by Taiwan Air Cargo Terminals Limited and Evergreen Air Cargo Services. These facilities handle over 1.5 million tonnes of freight annually, with specialized storage for temperature-sensitive items. Maintenance facilities run by China Airlines and Evergreen Aviation Technologies provide aircraft services to both home carriers and visiting airlines.
Airlines
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport functions as a vibrant aviation hub hosting approximately 50 carriers. China Airlines, Taiwan’s flag carrier, accounted for 26.4% of passenger traffic in 2020, operating an extensive network of international routes. EVA Air, another major Taiwanese carrier, represented 28.3% of traffic during the same period.
Newer entrant Starlux Airlines established TPE as its base in January 2020, focusing on positioning itself as a luxury carrier. Regional operators with significant presence include Mandarin Airlines (China Airlines subsidiary) and Uni Air (EVA Air affiliate), while Tigerair Taiwan serves as a low-cost option.
International carriers maintain strong representation at TPE, with Cathay Pacific handling 5.36% of 2020 traffic and Japan’s Peach Aviation accounting for 3.01%. Major global airlines including Air China, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Delta, United, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, and British Airways all serve the airport.
Before the pandemic, the busiest routes from TPE were to Hong Kong, Tokyo Narita, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Osaka Kansai, and Seoul Incheon. By 2021, passenger numbers had dropped significantly with no route handling more than 300,000 passengers annually.
Ground Transportation
The airport connects to Taipei through several transportation options. The Taoyuan Airport MRT provides the most efficient link, with Express trains reaching Taipei Main Station in just 38 minutes and Commuter trains stopping at all 21 stations along the 45-minute route. These trains offer free Wi-Fi and wireless charging, while Taipei Main Station features downtown check-in facilities for select airlines.
Numerous bus companies operate routes to various destinations throughout Taiwan, providing economical options with greater destination flexibility. Taiwan’s High Speed Rail system can be accessed via the Taoyuan HSR station, located 8 kilometers from the airport and connected by the MRT or shuttle buses.
Taxi services offer door-to-door convenience with regulated fares, typically costing NT$1,000-1,200 for the 40-60 minute journey to Taipei. Car rental agencies provide options for self-driving, while shuttle services connect terminals, parking areas, and nearby hotels.
The Future Airport
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is undertaking ambitious expansion plans centered around Terminal 3, a monumental 540,000 square meter facility designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. Originally scheduled for 2020 completion but delayed to 2026, this US$2.3 billion project will increase annual passenger capacity by 45 million, bringing the total to 86 million.
The terminal’s distinctive design resembles “a soaring bird with spreading wings” and incorporates three key concepts: “Green” (environmental sustainability), “Smart” (cutting-edge technology), and “Culture” (Taiwanese heritage). The design synthesizes elements from Heathrow Terminal 5’s flexible volume and Madrid Barajas Terminal 4’s flowing interior spaces.
Two dramatic “oculi” will serve as focal points – the northern oculus creating a garden within a 24.5-meter-high atrium, and the southern oculus featuring terraced levels around another atrium. The project includes a comprehensive ground transportation center, commercial development, and parking facilities.
A planned third runway forms part of the airport’s northside expansion, while cargo operations will grow through a new 100-hectare air cargo park and second free trade port, scheduled for 2030 completion. These facilities aim to handle projected cargo traffic exceeding 4.02 million metric tons by 2040.
The Taoyuan Aerotropolis Plan represents the most ambitious aspect of the airport’s future – a major land acquisition and industrial investment project encompassing 3,720 hectares divided between an airport core and surrounding development zones. This project gained legal status in 2021 and aims to transform the region into an economic powerhouse leveraging TPE’s strategic location near Taipei Harbor, the High Speed Rail station, and major highways.
These expansions will establish Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport as a world-class facility that not only efficiently manages increased passenger and cargo volumes but also showcases Taiwanese innovation, culture, and hospitality to millions of international visitors.
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