Taipei, June 18 (CNA) China Airlines (CAL) and EVA Airways (EVA Air) flights between Taiwan and Japan remain normal, despite a strong earthquake rocking northern Osaka early Monday morning.

CAL and EVA Air are the two leading international carriers in Taiwan. Flights between Taiwan and Japan serve as a major revenue source for both airlines as Japan is one of the most popular destinations for Taiwanese tourists.

An earthquake struck Osaka at 7:58 a.m. local time with an initial magnitude of 5.9 later revised upwards to 6.1.

According to a report from NHK, the temblor caused all trains and subways across Osaka city to halt operations, while the bullet train that links Osaka to Tokyo was also suspended. The report added that several people were feared dead due to the earthquake.

CAL and EVA Air said no flights to Japan have been canceled but if there are any changes to flight schedules passengers will be informed as soon as possible.

Taoyuan International Airport, the largest airport in Taiwan, said all flights between Taiwan and Japan are operating normally with no flights delayed or canceled Monday morning.

Some tourists who are scheduled to visit Osaka soon told CNA that the earthquake made them uneasy but they did not plan to cancel their trips, though they also hoped the temblor did not cause too much damage in Japan.

Meanwhile, Taiwan's Tourism Bureau said it is seeking information on whether Taiwanese tourists in Osaka have been affected by the quake.

(By Chen Wei-ting and Frances Huang)
Enditem/AW