The Coast Guard was able to run a routine supply flight to the Taipei-controlled Dongsha Islands in the South China Sea on Monday. The successful trip came 11 days after a routine flight was denied access to the area by Hong Kong air traffic controllers, who cited "dangerous activities" in the airspace. The source of the activities remains unclear even after two weeks. According to a Hong Kong report, Chinese missile drills were taking place at the time. But Taiwan''s defense ministry says its tracking had turned up nothing unusual in the area.
With luggage in tow, Coast Guard personnel prepare to board. After a two-week delay, the Coast Guard’s UNI Air charter plane was able to depart for the Dongsha Islands Monday at 8:35 a.m.
The Coast Guard charters a service from UNI Air that leaves every Thursday from Kaohsiung International Airport. The service mainly transports Coast Guard personnel between Taiwan and the Dongsha Islands. Last Thursday, Oct. 22, the flight was canceled due to a tropical storm.
Lai Yu-chieh
Coast Guard Administration official
After assessing the weather conditions and the flight schedule, the plane was rescheduled for a departure today. With regard to adjustments to leave and vacation rights made after the flight change, the Coast Guard Administration’s Dongsha unit has already communicated them to the officers and soldiers.
Prior to the typhoon cancellation, the plane had departed for the Dongsha Islands right on schedule on Thursday, Oct. 15. As it approached Hong Kong’s Flight Information Region, the city’s air traffic controllers said “dangerous” activities were underway below an altitude of 26,000 feet. Refused entry, the UNI Air flight returned to Kaohsiung. On Thursday reporters asked if the Coast Guard had contacted Hong Kong authorities to resolve the incident. The CGA’s Dongsha unit said the question should be addressed to the Civil Aeronautics Administration.
Lai Yu-chieh
Coast Guard Administration official
We prepared for this flight in accordance with our instructions from UNI Air.
Taiwan’s defense ministry denies there were Chinese military exercises underway when the UNI Air flight was warned off. On Monday the supply plane successfully completed its flight to the Dongsha Islands. Another routine flight is slated to leave Thursday.
