Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) announced on Friday that the government has partnered with six domestic airline companies to provide priority boarding services for active-duty soldiers as a gesture of honor and respect. The initiative will take effect this July at all four of Taiwan’s international airports.
Chen emphasized that the prosperity and stability of society rely on the selfless dedication and unwavering defense of its soldiers. Under the new policy, active-duty military personnel will be eligible for priority boarding by presenting their military ID at the gate.
He added that the Ministry of Transportation will continue to review the program and hopes to eventually extend the benefit to military dependents. As for veterans, Chen noted that challenges related to identity verification remain, so their potential inclusion will require further discussion.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) also commented on the initiative, describing it as a meaningful way to show national appreciation for military service. He expressed confidence that all military personnel will feel proud to receive this recognition.
Koo further noted that, in the past, soldiers were only permitted to travel abroad as part of group tours. However, since he took office, a new policy has been implemented to lift that restriction, allowing soldiers to travel independently.