China activates new flight routes near Taiwan

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on Friday (April 19) atactivated the W122 and W123 connecting routes of the M503 flight route to enhance airspace efficiency. The routes run from west to east.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian said the flight deviation measures for the M503 route running from north to south were canceled as of Feb. 1.

Zhu added that the move aims to alleviate the pressure of increasing regional flights, ensure flight safety, reduce flight delays, and protect passenger rights, benefiting compatriots on both sides of the strait.

Zhu noted that the M503 route is located within the ZSHA Shanghai FIR. The establishment and activation of this route are routine work for CAAC to manage.

However, Minister Wang Kwo-tsai of the Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MOTC) pointed out that W122 is close to Nangan and Beigan in Matsu, and W123 is very close to Kinmen Shangyi Airport. Without communication about takeoff and landing, there are concerns about flight safety in terms of parallel distance and altitude.