Taiwan has embarked on a two-year renovation of Taoyuan International Airport's seventies-era terminal one, that will increase capacity 25%, and it is also planning development of a third terminal.
While no additional gates will be added, changes to terminal one's check-in, security screening, and immigration areas will see capacity grow to 15 million annually from 12 million now, says a spokeswoman at Taiwan's Civil Aeronautics Administration.
Terminal one renovations are likely to be completed by the end of 2011, she says, adding that the renovations will see more space for shops and restaurants.
A new rail line, connecting terminal one to Taipei, is also under construction, says the spokeswoman, adding that the ride to Taipei will take 35 minutes, compared with one hour by car.
While the Taiwanese authorities are renovating terminal one, there is a longer-term plan to build a completely new passenger terminal which will be terminal three.
The spokeswoman says a Japanese consulting firm has been employed to explore options for the new terminal under the auspices of Taoyuan's Airport Park Conceptual Plan. The plan is expected to be completed by the middle of 2010, she adds.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news