Phoenix Lands First Nonstop Asia Route With Starlux Taipei Flights

Phoenix is set to gain its first-ever nonstop service to Asia, as Taiwanese full-service carrier Starlux Airlines unveiled plans to launch Taipei flights early next year—just months after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) unveiled a record $165 billion investment to expand its chipmaking operations in the Arizona city.

The airline intends to connect Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) up to four times per week, subject to government approvals. Flights will be operated using Airbus A350-900 aircraft, configured with 306 seats across four cabins.

“Phoenix’s first nonstop flight to Asia reflects the incredible strides we've made with our local economy and our emergence as an international city,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego says.

The announcement comes less than three months after TSMC pledged an additional $100 billion investment in Phoenix, bringing its total planned U.S. investment to $165 billion. The expansion includes three advanced chip fabrication plants, two packaging facilities and a major R&D center—said to be the largest foreign direct investment in U.S. history.

Starlux Chairman Kuo-Wei Chang says the launch of the Phoenix route, coming on the heels of TSMC’s planned investment, highlights the deepening economic and cultural ties between Taiwan and Arizona. “I knew from the moment I set foot in Phoenix that Starlux should make the investment to fly here,” he explains.

“Not only is the growth of business between Taipei and Phoenix staggering, it’s a perfect match for our level of service. We are proud and honored to be the first carrier to provide nonstop Asia service for the Phoenix community.”

Sabre Market Intelligence data shows that in 2024, Phoenix–Taiwan traffic totaled 67,000 two-way passengers, averaging 92 travelers per day each way. Taiwan ranked as the second-largest Asian market from Phoenix, after India, during the year. With an estimated 30,000 Taiwanese residents already living in Arizona—a figure expected to rise alongside TSMC’s growing presence—PXH expects the demand for direct connectivity will continue to strengthen.

The announcement coincides with major infrastructure expansion at PHX. In April, the airport broke ground on a new $326 million north concourse at Terminal 3. The eight-gate facility, set to open in 2026, is designed to support both domestic and international operations, and will help accommodate future long-haul services like those planned by Starlux.

Alongside the planned introduction of a Phoenix route, Starlux is preparing to launch operations to Ontario International Airport, marking its fourth destination in the U.S. and its second in the Los Angeles basin. The 4X-weekly service, starting June 2, will provide an alternative to Los Angeles International Airport for travelers heading between Taiwan and Southern California.