Songshan Airport relocation proposal sparks emergency rescue concerns

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an is facing scrutiny over his proposal to relocate Songshan Airport, specifically regarding potential disruptions to emergency medical transport and disaster relief services.

Minister of the Interior Liu Shih-fang warned that the relocation could severely impact the National Airborne Service Corps, which uses Songshan Airport as a critical base for search and rescue operations in Northern Taiwan and outlying islands like Matsu. Liu noted that the government has already allocated approximately 3.5 billion TWD for equipment updates and emphasized that no viable alternative site has been proposed to maintain current rescue capabilities.

In response to these concerns, Chiang stated that the city is willing to communicate with central government agencies to conduct a comprehensive assessment. He argued that medical transport needs are diverse and not all cases are critical emergencies. Chiang suggested potential mitigation strategies, such as retaining helicopter capabilities at the site, utilizing high-speed rail, or establishing “green corridors” via highways to ensure rapid transport from Taoyuan Airport if Songshan is moved.