Melo Villareal
AirAsia Starts Direct Flights from Manila, Cebu to Taipei: Here are the Details
This news will definitely delight travel enthusiasts: AirAsia has begun its direct flight from Manila to Taipei.
The airline’s direct flight from Manila to Taipei, Z2 128, commenced yesterday (Nov. 21, 2016).
Along with other guests of the inaugural flight from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, We were all welcomed on board by the executives of Philippines AirAsia, including CEO Captain Dexter Comendador and Chairperson Maan Hontiveros.
All of the passengers were also given free Pork Buns and Free AirAsia Caps and Pillows.
“We have introduced amazing connections for our guests to enjoy and we are aiming to go further across Asia by strengthening AirAsia’s presence in Taiwan,” said Comendador. “Today heralds a brighter and much closer ties between two countries to improve trade and tourism.”
Tourist Arrivals from Taiwan to rise
With the commencement of the direct flight between the two destinations, it is anticipated that the number of Taiwanese tourists visiting the country will increase. To date, Taiwan is the sixth top visitor market, next to Korea, U.S., China, Japan, as well as Australia. From January through August 2016, Taiwanese tourist arrivals in the Philippines have already notched 157,517.
Before the inauguration of the above-mentioned flight, the airline has operated direct flights to Taipei from Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur.
Flight from Cebu to Taipei Taiwan
That’s not all AirAsia is putting to the table. Captain Comendador revealed that the airline will also launch its maiden flight to Taipei from Cebu “with three flights every week or every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday in less than a week from now.”
In a bid to celebrate the said launch, some Filipino cultural dancers headed to Taipei to perform “Sinulog” dance at a press conference in Sheraton Hotel Taipei. For the uninitiated, Sinulog is a well-renowned religious festival in the the Queen City of the South – Cebu.
During the press conference held at Sheraton Hotel Taipei, AirAsia North Asia President Kathleen Tan said, “Taiwan and the Philippines share a strong affinity with one another. They enjoy economic ties, many Filipinos live and work in Taiwan and more and more Taiwanese are visiting the many beautiful islands in the Philippines. We are honoured to be able to bring the two countries even closer together.
Set forth below is the flight schedule from Manila and Cebu to Taipei:
Flight Schedule for Manila (MNL) to Taipei (TPE)
| Flight Number | From | To | Departure | Arrival | Frequency |
| Z2 128 | MNL | TPE | 23:05 | 01:10 | Daily |
| Z2 129 | TPE | MNL | 01:35 | 03.45 | Daily |
Flight Schedule for Cebu (CEB) to Taipei (TPE)
| Flight Number | From | To | Departure | Arrival | Frequency |
| Z2 7124 | CEB | TPE | 06:35 | 09:25 | Wednesday |
| CEB | TPE | 06:10 | 09:05 | Friday and Sunday | |
| Z2 7125 | TPE | CEB | 10:20 | 13:10 | Wednesday |
| TPE | CEB | 10:10 | 13:00 | Friday | |
| TPE | CEB | 10:30 | 13:20 | Sunday |
About Taipei:
Guests who take advantage of AirAsia’s promotional fares to Taipei can make a trip to some of the following iconic attractions and enjoy charmingly warm local hospitality.
- The icon of Taipei, and the prominent centre of the city, Taipei 101 is the tallest green building in the world. The post-modernistic structure boasts 101 floors of shopping, conference centres, offices, restaurants and both outdoor and indoor observatories. Head to the top for a stunning and unobstructed view of the city!
- There is a plethora of night markets in Taipei, but the most famous one of all is Shilin Night Market. Food hunters crowd over for its many food vendors and small eateries especially amongst the 539 stalls in the food court. After dinner, the many attractions such as movie theatres, video arcades, shops and karaoke stores will have you staying till the wee hours of the night.
- Another famous landmark of Taipei, the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall was built in memory of the former president of the Republic of China. The hall and square is now the hub for cultural events, and the National Concert Hall and National Theatre are in the vicinity as well, housing performances from the likes of Yo-yo Ma, the Vienna Boys Choir and even the late Luciano Pavarotti himself.
- A two-hour train ride from Taipei is the beautiful Taroko Gorge. Located within the Taroko National Park, the gorge is known for its magnificent natural beauty and its abundant supply of marble. Visitors can get in touch with nature as they explore the many sights around, such as the Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow Grotto, and Buluowan Village.
- Shopaholics will be happily satiated in Taipei’s main wholesale garment market, which boasts the latest fashion and trends at bargain basement prices. The shops open from morning till midnight every day, and haggling is a skill that will take you far when you are roaming the streets of
Taiwan Visa for Filipinos
Filipinos can now visit Taiwan even without a visa. The Visa-free in Taiwan offer is only limited to Filipino travelers who has had valid Visa entries from the US, Australia, Japan, Korea, Canada or any Schengen country.
Keep up-to-date with AirAsia’s latest promotion and activities via Twitter (@AirAsiaPH), Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsiaPhilippines), Instagram (@AirAsiaPh), and on Viber public chat (@AirAsiaPh).
