"Big News" from Sydney: Airport Welcomes First 5-Star Luxury Taiwanese Airline in the Country

Taiwanese carrier STARLUX Airlines has announced plans to launch direct flights between Sydney and Taipei in 2027, marking the airline's entry into the Australian market and further expanding travel options between Australia and Asia.

The new service will make Sydney the first Australian destination served by STARLUX. The route will also continue onward to Auckland, creating a new link between Taiwan, Australia, and New Zealand.

STARLUX Airlines. Photo: Thanhliemnguyen / Shutterstock.com

The announcement comes as travel demand between Sydney and Taiwan continues to grow rapidly. According to Sydney Airport, Taiwan was one of its fastest-growing international markets in 2025, with passenger numbers rising 18% to nearly 194,000 travelers. Taipei also serves as an important regional hub, offering connections to destinations across Asia, Europe, Japan, and the United States.

Taiei. Photo: Sutterstock

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton: "We're proud to welcome STARLUX Airlines to Sydney providing passengers with more choice, competition, and connectivity," Charlton said. This new partnership reflects the continued demand for premium travel experiences and reinforces the importance of Sydney Airport as a key global aviation hub."

STARLUX has built its reputation around a premium travel experience since launching operations in 2020. The airline has expanded rapidly across Asia and North America and recently retained its prestigious Skytrax Five-Star Airline rating for a second consecutive year.

Chief Executive Officer Glenn Chai said the new route represents an important milestone for the carrier's international growth.

Sydney. Photo: Shutterstock

"Sydney is one of the world's great gateway cities, and we are excited to connect travelers with our award-winning service and premium travel experience," Chai said.

"This new route will strengthen links between Australia and Taiwan, while providing customers with seamless connections through Taipei to destinations across Asia and beyond."

He added: "We look forward to welcoming Australian travelers on board and building a long-term presence in this important market."

Flight schedules and launch details are currently being finalized, with additional information expected to be announced in the coming months.