18 Jul 2023 | 05:23 AM UTC
Taiwan: Annual military drills to take place islandwide July 24-28
Taiwan to hold annual military exercises July 24-28. Increased security, ground and air travel disruptions likely; shipping delays possible.
Event
Taiwan will hold the Wan An air-raid drills and the 39th Han Kuang military exercise July 24-28, likely prompting heightened security in major cities. Military exercises will occur at Taitung Airport (TTT) July 25-26, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) July 26, as well as near the Port of Taipei, Tamsui River estuary, and on Bali Beidi Beach July 27. The annual Wan An air-raid drills will occur in various locations 13:30-14:00 on the following dates:
July 24: Greater Taipei, Taoyuan, and Hsinchu cities; Yilan and Hsinchu counties
July 25: Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung counties
July 26: Hualien, Taitung, Penghu, Kinmen, and Lienchiang counties
July 27: Taichung and Chiayi cities; Miaoli, Changhua, Nantou, Yunlin, and Chiayi counties
During the air-raid drills, officials will suspend most transport and pedestrian movement for 30 minutes. Individuals must remain indoors or move to local shelters, and motorists must pull to the side of the road. The drill will not impact highway traffic or metro services, but users must comply with regulations in all other locations, including when disembarking from train stations. Authorities could issue fines up to TWD 150,000 (USD 4,844) for noncompliance. Additionally, officials said the Han Kuang exercise will disrupt at least 61 flights, mainly from TPE; maritime transport disruptions may also affect the Port of Taipei. Lingering disruptions and passenger processing delays will likely occur at TPE July 26 when flights resume.
Advice
Heed all official instructions. Carry proper identification documents to present at any security checks. Consider limiting movement in areas undergoing air-raid drills. Exercise caution and allow additional time to reach destinations, including after air-raid drills conclude. Plan for potential shipping congestion and delays. Use alternative shipping methods for time-sensitive freight. Confirm flight schedules if flying via TPE July 26. Do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed. Maintain flexible schedules to allow for possible flight schedule alterations. Arrive at the airport early to mitigate the impact of possible passenger processing delays.
