Songshan Airport: Ninety Years in the Heart of Taipei – S6-E32
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- Taipei's Songshan Airport was originally opened by the Japanese colonial government in 1936, establishing a long history of aviation right in the heart of the city.
- Throughout its nearly ninety-year history, Songshan Airport has witnessed dramatic historical events, including wartime bombing raids by both Soviet and American pilots.
- During the height of the Cold War, Songshan served as Taiwan's primary international gateway and welcomed powerful political figures, such as U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1960.
- The airport lost its status as Taiwan's main international hub in 1979 with the opening of Chiang Kai-shek International Airport, now known as Taoyuan International Airport.
- Despite facing subsequent challenges from the rise of high-speed rail, Songshan reinvented itself and continues to operate as a convenient hub for regional flights to China, Japan, and South Korea.
- Taipei city planners and officials continue to occasionally debate whether to close Songshan Airport entirely and redevelop its highly valuable urban land.
Opened by the Japanese in 1936, Taipei's Songshan Airport has witnessed wartime bombing raids (by aircraft piloted by both Soviet and American pilots), Cold War diplomacy, and tearful family farewells. During the Cold War, it welcomed some of America's most powerful political figures; President Eisenhower landed here to a spectacular welcome in 1960. For decades, Songshan was Taiwan's main international gateway, until the opening of Chiang Kai-shek International Airport (now Taoyuan International Airport) in 1979. It reinvented itself as a busy domestic hub, only to be dealt another blow by high-speed rail. Yet Songshan survived, and today it offers convenient flights to cities in China, Japan, and South Korea. As Taipei once again debates whether to close the airport and redevelop its valuable land, Eryk and John look back at ninety years of aviation history.
Image via Japanese travel blog
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Songshan Airport opened?
Songshan Airport was opened in 1936 by the Japanese administration ruling Taiwan at the time.
When did Songshan Airport stop being Taiwan's main international airport?
Songshan served as the primary international gateway until 1979, when Chiang Kai-shek International Airport—now known as Taoyuan International Airport—was opened.
Which U.S. President famously landed at Songshan Airport during the Cold War?
U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower landed at Songshan Airport to a spectacular public welcome in 1960.
What destinations does Songshan Airport serve today?
Today, Songshan functions as a convenient urban hub offering flights to select cities in China, Japan, and South Korea, alongside domestic routes.