Great news for travelers in the nation’s capital! EVA Air is officially spreading its wings to Dulles International Airport (IAD), launching the very first nonstop flight route connecting Washington, D.C., directly to Taiwan.
Sun Chia-Ming, president of the renowned Star Alliance carrier, confirmed the exciting news on Monday. Starting this July, EVA Air will operate four weekly flights from Taipei to the Washington, D.C. area, bridging a significant gap in trans-Pacific travel.
A Premium Experience in the Sky
Travelers can look forward to flying in style aboard EVA’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This impressive aircraft is configured to offer a comfortable and luxurious journey, featuring:
- 26 lie-flat Business Class seats for ultimate rest and relaxation.
- 28 Premium Economy seats offering extra space and amenities.
- 224 standard Economy seats ensuring a smooth ride for all passengers.
While official confirmation is still pending from the airline, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has acknowledged they are “awaiting details of new non-stop flights being proposed between Dulles and Taipei,” highlighting the importance of the Asian market to the region.
Fueling a Trans-Pacific Boom
This launch is part of a massive surge in air service between the U.S. and Taiwan. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, seat capacity in this market has exploded, growing at a compound annual rate of 12.8% since recovering from the pandemic. That’s more than double the growth rate seen throughout the entire 2010s!
This boom is driven by some friendly competition among Taiwan’s top airlines:
- Starlux Airlines made a big splash by entering the U.S. market in 2023 and has rapidly expanded to five destinations.
- China Airlines has kept pace, adding new routes like Seattle (SEA) and Phoenix (PHX).
- EVA Air is clearly not backing down, having recently landed in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and now setting its sights on D.C.
What This Means for You
While some wonder if the market can sustain this rapid expansion, one thing is certain: it’s creating fantastic opportunities for savvy travelers. Increased competition often leads to better deals and more loyalty program options. Frequent flyers can leverage partnerships to book these flights using points:
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can book Starlux flights.
- Delta SkyMiles members can book China Airlines.
- United MileagePlus members can book EVA Air.
Plus, the new route is a major win for Dulles International Airport, which will welcome EVA as its second new carrier in 2026, following Air Premia’s launch of Seoul flights in April. With seamless connections to United’s hub, getting to or from Taipei has never been more convenient for D.C.-area travelers.
Source: Reports: EVA Air to launch Washington, DC's first-ever nonstop flight to Taiwan