Phoenix Lands Second Asian Route

The service will operate three times weekly.

Zach Vasile

Friday, January 16, 2026 at 12:20 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Starlux's first Airbus A350-900 at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport after its delivery flight. (Photo: Starlux)

Key Takeaways:

Taiwanese carrier Starlux launched its first nonstop flight from Taipei to Phoenix, making it the airline's fifth U.S. destination.
The new route will operate three times weekly (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays), aiming to strengthen travel and trade links between the U.S. Southwest, Taiwan, and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
Although Starlux's service was initially expected to be the first nonstop route between Phoenix and Asia, China Airlines launched a similar route in December, taking that distinction.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Taiwanese carrier Starlux on Thursday operated its first nonstop flight from Taipei to Phoenix, its fifth destination in the U.S.

The Airbus A350-900 aircraft flying the route touched down at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport around 5:40 p.m. local time and received a water cannon salute.

“Today, Starlux delivers our promise to Phoenix,” Starlux CEO Glenn Chai said in a news release. “We are truly grateful and proud to realize this vision… Today’s launch reflects our confidence in the region and our commitment to strengthening travel and trade links between the U.S. Southwest, Taiwan, and the broader Asia-Pacific region.”

Starlux will operate the Phoenix-Taipei route three times weekly, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

Starlux’s first flight to Phoenix touches down at the airport. (Photo: Starlux)

The connection was first announced in May 2025. At the time, it was expected to be the first nonstop route between Phoenix and Asia, but China Airlines took that distinction by launching service between Phoenix and Taipei in December.

In the U.S., Starlux also serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Ontario, California.