From military base to southern gateway: the evolution of Kaohsiung International Airport
In short: Located in the Siaogang District, Kaohsiung International Airport serves as Taiwan's second-busiest aviation hub. Originally constructed as an Imperial Japanese Army Air Squadron base during the 1940s, the facility has transformed over decades from a restricted military site into a vital international gateway for southern Taiwan's travelers and global commerce.
The origins of the airport date back to 1942, when it was established as a military airbase during the Japanese rule of Taiwan. Following the conclusion of the war in 1945, the site retained its military function for two decades. It was not until 1965 that the facility underwent demilitarisation, transitioning into a domestic civil airport to meet the growing transportation needs of the region. By 1969, the airport achieved international status, with regular international flight services officially commencing in 1972.
During its early years as an international hub, the airport's reach was limited, with Hong Kong and Tokyo serving as the only two available destinations throughout the 1970s and 1980s. The landscape began to shift in the 1990s as the airport expanded its domestic connectivity to Taipei, allowing passengers in the south to access a broader range of international flights. This period of development culminated in the opening of a dedicated international terminal in 1997. While a direct route to Los Angeles was attempted by EVA Air in 1998, the service was discontinued after just six months.
The modern era of the airport has been defined by diversification and increased accessibility. Since 2009, passenger numbers have seen a recovery, driven by the introduction of scheduled cross-strait flights to China and the expansion of low-cost carrier services. Today, the airport is integrated into the city's broader infrastructure, connected to the Kaohsiung Metro Red line, which provides direct links to the Taiwan Railway and the Taiwan High Speed Rail at Zuoying. With 5.8 million passengers recorded in 2024, it remains a critical component of Taiwan's aviation network, balancing its historical roots with the demands of contemporary travel.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Kaohsiung International Airport
- Also: Wikidata — Kaohsiung International Airport MRT station · CC0
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