China Airlines
Taiwan’s full-service flag carrier, operating an extensive Asian network and long-haul services from its main Taipei hub.
About China Airlines
Founded in 1959, China Airlines is Taiwan’s flag carrier and a scheduled full-service airline. It is part of the state-linked China Airlines Group and should not be confused with Air China, the flag carrier based in mainland China. The airline uses the plum blossom as a central part of its visual identity and operates under the IATA code CI and ICAO code CAL.
China Airlines’ primary hub is Taipei, with Kaohsiung serving as another important Taiwanese departure point. Its network comprises 169 routes serving 61 destinations across 26 countries. Asian links form the core of the schedule, including services involving Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Beijing, while Amsterdam is among its prominent European gateways.
Aircraft types associated with its operations include Airbus A319, A320 and A321 narrow-body jets; Airbus A330-200, A330-300 and A340-300 wide-bodies; and Boeing 737, 747-400 and 757 families, including several 737-800 and 737-900 variants. Equipment varies by route and schedule. Depending on the aircraft, passengers may find economy, premium economy and business-class cabins, with the broadest cabin choices generally offered on long-haul services.
China Airlines joined SkyTeam in 2011, giving eligible passengers access to coordinated benefits and connections across the alliance’s international network. Its loyalty programme is Dynasty Flyer, through which members can earn and redeem miles, progress through membership tiers and receive benefits subject to status and fare rules. Alliance recognition can also provide qualifying frequent flyers with priority services and lounge access when travelling on eligible itineraries.
A major strength is the airline’s geographic position: Taipei can be a practical connecting point between Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe and North America. Travellers should nevertheless compare connection times carefully, particularly when an itinerary involves different Taipei-area airports or separately ticketed flights. Cabin products can also differ noticeably between aircraft types, so checking the scheduled equipment and seat map before booking is worthwhile.
Good to know
Flying with China Airlines — what to expect
Check Your Airport
Taipei has more than one commercial airport, so confirm the airport code on every flight segment. Allow additional time if an itinerary requires an airport change.
Cabins Vary
Seat design, entertainment and premium-cabin features can vary by aircraft and route. Review the operating aircraft and seat map before selecting a flight.
Baggage Depends on Fare
Checked and cabin baggage entitlements depend on the route, cabin and fare conditions. Verify the allowance shown on your ticket, especially when connecting to another airline.
SkyTeam Benefits
Eligible SkyTeam frequent flyers may receive priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling or lounge access. Benefits depend on membership status and the operating itinerary.
Taipei Connections
Taipei is well positioned for connections across Asia and onward long-haul travel. Leave a comfortable transfer window when arriving from a separate ticket or during busy travel periods.
Special Meals
Special meals may be available on eligible flights when requested in advance. Ordering deadlines and choices vary, so arrange requirements through the airline before departure.
Network overview
Where China Airlines flies
China Airlines operates 169 routes to 61 destinations across 26 countries, its longest sector reaching New York to Osaka (11,153 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities China Airlines flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
New York → Osaka
11,153 km · JFK → KIX
The longest sector in the China Airlines network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by China Airlines
Tracked China Airlines routes touch Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, United States.
PVG - TPEShanghai → Taipei1h 17m677 kmSHA - TSAShanghai → Taipei1h 17m683 kmTPE - PVGTaipei → Shanghai1h 17m677 kmTSA - SHATaipei → Shanghai1h 17m683 kmHKG - TPEHong Kong → Taipei1h 25m802 kmNRT - TPETokyo → Taipei3h2,182 kmICN - TPESeoul → Taipei2h 11m1,462 kmTPE - HKGTaipei → Hong Kong1h 25m802 kmTPE - ICNTaipei → Seoul2h 11m1,462 kmTPE - NRTTaipei → Tokyo3h2,182 kmKIX - TPEOsaka → Taipei2h 28m1,704 kmTPE - KIXTaipei → Osaka2h 28m1,704 kmHNL - NRTHonolulu → Tokyo7h 33m6,135 kmNRT - HNLTokyo → Honolulu7h 33m6,135 kmSIN - TPESingapore → Taipei4h 12m3,221 kmMore from Taiwan
Other airlines based in Taiwan
FAQ
China Airlines — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee to the prices it finds.
- Carry-on limits depend on the cabin, route and ticket conditions. Check the allowance displayed with your booking before travel, as both size and weight restrictions may apply.
- The busiest departure hubs by number of routes are Taipei, Kaohsiung, Shanghai, Tokyo and Amsterdam. Taipei is the airline’s principal hub and offers the widest range of connections.
- China Airlines serves destinations across Asia, Europe and other long-haul markets. Notable cities include Taipei, Kaohsiung, Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing and Amsterdam.
- China Airlines serves 61 destinations across 26 countries, operating 169 routes.
- The longest route is New York to Osaka, covering about 11,153 km nonstop.
- China Airlines’ primary hub is Taipei, with Kaohsiung also serving as an important departure base. Shanghai, Tokyo and Amsterdam are among the other busiest departure points in its network.
- Fares are often lower outside major holidays and peak summer periods, particularly when booked well ahead. Comparing flexible dates and nearby departure times can reveal cheaper options.