KAOHSIUNG (TVBS News) — Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) urged the central government to plan a new international airport in Kaohsiung on Tuesday (Dec. 31), citing the urgent need for a 24-hour standard airport. Mayor Chen emphasized the importance of considering the development of southern Taiwan as semiconductor giants establish facilities in the region.
In late November, Chen addressed Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) about constructing a new international airport in Kaohsiung. Executive Yuan officials stated on Monday that discussions remain in the preliminary stages without concrete plans. Chen highlighted the maturing opportunities from industrial clusters forming from Chiayi to future Pingtung, attracting semiconductor equipment and materials manufacturers.
Chen reiterated the pressing demand for a 24-hour cargo flight-capable airport, calling for balanced development and timely planning by the central government. As he reflected on hopes for 2025, Chen expressed concerns about escalating extreme weather challenges and his aspiration for Kaohsiung to play a pivotal role in Taiwan's industrial transformation.
Chen also pointed to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC, 台積電) plans for several cutting-edge wafer fabs, aiming to leverage these new industries to accelerate Kaohsiung's urban transformation.
