Starlux Airlines Will Launch Phoenix-Taipei Flights In 2026, First Ever Asia Link For Arizona
ID 351821237 © Mike Fuchslocher | Dreamstime.com
Phoenix Sky Harbor is finally getting nonstop service to Asia—thanks to Taiwan’s boutique carrier Starlux Airlines.
In a significant milestone for both the airline and the city of Phoenix, Starlux Airlines will launch nonstop flights from Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) to Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) starting February 2026, offering 3–4 weekly frequencies aboard its flagship Airbus A350-900.
A First For Phoenix, And A First For Starlux
The route marks several major firsts:
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First-ever nonstop service from Arizona to Asia
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Starlux’s first U.S. destination not already served by EVA Air or China Airlines
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Starlux’s longest route to date at 7,104 miles
The Airbus A350 operating the route will feature 306 seats across four cabins:
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4 First Class
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26 Business Class
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36 Premium Economy
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240 Economy
Starlux’s CEO K.W. Chang noted that the decision to serve Phoenix came after visiting the city and recognizing both the economic potential and passenger demand, citing the growing Taiwan-Phoenix business corridor, largely driven by TSMC’s $165 billion investment in local semiconductor facilities.
The Strategic Importance Of This Route
This launch adds Phoenix to Starlux’s growing U.S. network, alongside:
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Los Angeles (LAX)
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Ontario (ONT)
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San Francisco (SFO)
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Seattle (SEA)
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego celebrated the announcement, linking the new route to the region’s tech boom:
“Phoenix’s first non-stop flight to Asia reflects the incredible strides we’ve made with our local economy… TSMC’s historic investment has boosted our reputation as a semiconductor hub, and now it’s helping increase air service demand.”
What It Means For U.S.–Asia Connectivity
This is a bold move by Starlux. While its earlier U.S. destinations have all had existing Taiwan service from rivals like China Airlines and EVA Air, Phoenix has no current nonstop flights to Asia at all.
While the airline has a partnership with Alaska Airlines, which opens up some U.S. domestic connectivity, Starlux is not yet a oneworld member. That limits feed opportunities from other carriers like American Airlines—even though PHX is one of American’s biggest hubs.
Interestingly, American and Japan Airlines already operate a transpacific joint venture, and that could disincentivize American from supporting Starlux’s route with connecting traffic, at least for now.
But if Starlux succeeds, it could prompt EVA Air or China Airlines to also take a closer look at Phoenix, especially given the business travel potential tied to the semiconductor industry and growing demand from Asia.
Bottom Line
Starlux Airlines will launch nonstop service from Taipei to Phoenix starting February 2026, marking Arizona’s first-ever nonstop link to Asia. The new route is part of the carrier’s U.S. expansion and aligns with Phoenix’s rising international profile—fueled by massive Taiwanese investment in tech and manufacturing.
This is a huge win for Phoenix and a bold move for Starlux, one that could shift the balance of Asia–U.S. West connectivity in the coming years.
