Starlux Airlines to Launch Kaohsiung Flights to Japan in January 2027

Starlux Airlines will begin operating flights from Kaohsiung to Japan on January 1, 2027. The airline announced two new routes connecting the southern port city with Kobe and Okinawa. Flights on both routes will be available daily during the first two months of 2027 and will be served by Airbus A321neo aircraft. With this addition, Starlux now offers departures from Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. The announcement was made during a press event at Kobe City Hall featuring Starlux Chief Strategy Officer Simon Liu and Kobe Mayor Kizo Hisamoto. CEO Glenn Chai described Kaohsiung as an important international city and a key destination for business and travel in southern Taiwan. Mayor Hisamoto noted that Kobe and Kaohsiung are both port cities and expressed hope for increased economic and tourism exchanges. While the center outlet focused on the airline's expansion in the Japanese market, the center left outlet provided broader context regarding Kobe Airport, noting that international charter flights began in April 2025 and that flights to Chinese cities like Shanghai and Nanjing have been canceled due to deteriorating diplomatic relations.