TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taoyuan International Airport (桃園國際機場), Taiwan's main international gateway, plans to officially open the North Boarding Concourse of Terminal 3 on Dec. 25 after a three-week trial operation. Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) emphasized on Thursday (Dec. 18) the importance of feedback from passengers and crew to ensure optimal conditions before the launch.
The north concourse, the first facility of Terminal 3 to open, began its trial run on Dec. 1. Minister Chen stated he visited the concourse on Dec. 15 and praised the smooth flow of incoming passengers. Chen highlighted the effectiveness of three escalators and two large elevators designed for travelers needing wheelchairs or with mobility issues.
The main structure and south concourse of Terminal 3 are expected to be completed by 2027. Taoyuan Airport's invitation for the upcoming opening ceremony underscores the significance of this development, which stands as Taiwan's largest public building project since the Ten Major Construction Projects, landmark infrastructure initiatives from the 1970s. Minister Chen reiterated the call for feedback during the trial phase.
The airport's official website notes the Terminal 3 project follows a master plan approved by the Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, in 2011 and a subsequent implementation plan by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, an internationally renowned British firm, designed Terminal 3. The project represents a monumental step in Taiwan's infrastructure development. ◼
