Major renovations begin on Green Island, Orchid Island airports

Taipei, May 20 (CNA) Building began Tuesday on renovation and new construction projects on Green Island and Orchid Island, part of a NT$1.2 billion (US$39.75 million) effort to upgrade four offshore airports, according to the Civil Aviation Administration (CAA).

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Green Island and presided over by Lin Kuo-shian (林國顯), the administrative deputy minister of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), which supervises the CAA.

The project involves Green Island Airport and Orchid Island Airport in Taitung County, as well as Qimei Airport and Wangan Airport in Penghu County.

"Orchid Island and Green Island are popular tourist destinations with rich ecological resources and unique local culture," Lin was quoted as saying in a CAA press release.

"However, transportation facilities have been limited for a long time, affecting residents' commuting convenience and tourism development."

He added that the new terminals will provide more comfortable, efficient transportation with distinctive exterior and interior designs that represent the local culture.

The CAA press release said that improvements to Green Island Airport include a new C-shaped covered walkway, renovations to terminal facilities and landscape upgrades, while plans for Orchid Island include expanding and improving the existing terminal.

The Orchid Island terminal will be themed around the Yami (Tao) Indigenous culture, while Green Island's design will feature the Kuroshio Current and marine life, the CAA said.

Lin said the upgraded airports will serve as "gateways that represent the local areas" and are expected to attract more visitors.

Officials attending the ceremony included Taitung County Deputy Magistrate Wang Chih-hui (王志輝), as well as officials from MOTC agencies such as Chou Yung-hui (周永暉) of the Tourism Administration, Ho Shu-ping (何淑萍) of the Civil Aviation Administration, and Yeh Hsieh-lung (葉協隆) of the Maritime and Port Bureau.

The Green Island and Orchid Island airport renovations are scheduled to be completed by July 2027, after delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the MOTC said.

The CAA also said Qimei Township and Wangan Township airport projects are expected to go out for tender by the end of this year.