EVA Air launches direct flights to Washington D.C., highlighting close US-Taiwan ties

EVA Air is set to launch a new direct flight route connecting Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport with Washington D.C. starting June 26, 2026. This inaugural service marks a significant milestone, symbolizing the deepening relationship between the United States and Taiwan.

U.S. Representative to AIT, Daniel Kritenbrink, emphasized the importance of the new route, stating it is an "unprecedented milestone" that further underscores the "increasingly close ties" between the two regions. The launch was celebrated at a dinner attended by officials from the DC Airports Authority, Destination DC, Taoyuan Airport Corporation, EVA Air, and the American Institute in Taiwan.

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finally welcome a regular flight from Taoyuan directly to Washington D.C. This is an unprecedented milestone and further highlights the increasingly close ties between the United States and Taiwan.

Kritenbrink highlighted Taiwan's growing significance as a market for the U.S. In the first quarter of 2026, Taiwan ranked as the 16th largest source of inbound tourists to the U.S., marking an 18% increase from the previous year and the highest ranking since the pandemic. Furthermore, Taiwan is currently the fourth-largest trading partner for the United States. He noted that a large delegation of over 200 Taiwanese business leaders recently attended the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington D.C., with expectations that future delegations will utilize the new direct flights.

EVA Air's General Manager, Sun Jia-ming, expressed his pleasure in seeing the vision of closer ties realized. He stated that the new route, established after Washington Dulles International Airport and Taoyuan International Airport became sister airports last year, will revolutionize travel between the U.S. East Coast and the Asia-Pacific region. This enhanced connectivity is expected to greatly benefit business travelers, government officials, and consumers alike.

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we are very happy that this vision will be realized starting June 26. Through the connection of this direct hub, the new route will bring revolutionary changes, making travel between the U.S. East Coast and the Asia-Pacific region smoother, providing more convenient services for business travelers, government officials, and consumers.