Donggang, TW 🇹🇼 Closed Airport
TW-0044
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TW-PIF
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Loading...GPS Code: Not available
Local Code: Not available
Location: 22.451355° N, 120.479395° E
Continent: AS
Type: Closed Airport
Keywords: Toko Seaplane Base
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The original military seaplane base was gradually phased out after World War II. The entire military complex, known as Dapengwan Base (大鵬灣營區), was officially decommissioned and transferred to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications in 1997 for civilian development.
The primary reason for closure was the military's shift away from seaplane technology, rendering the base obsolete for its original purpose. The site was subsequently repurposed from a military installation into a national scenic area to promote tourism and regional economic development.
The former seaplane base is now the heart of the Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area (大鵬灣國家風景區), a major center for tourism and recreation. The bay itself is used for various water sports, including sailing, canoeing, and wakeboarding. The surrounding area features a marina, oyster farms, wetlands, and a waterfront park. The historic Japanese military buildings have been restored and are accessible to tourists. The land-based runway associated with the base was converted into the Dapeng Bay International Circuit, although the racetrack itself has since ceased operations. There are no active, scheduled seaplane operations at the site.
Established in 1938 by the Imperial Japanese Navy as the Toko Seaplane Base (東港水上基地), it was a major strategic installation during World War II. It served as a key base for training, maintenance, and operations of long-range flying boats, such as the Kawanishi H6K 'Mavis' and H8K 'Emily', which conducted patrols and missions across Southeast Asia. After WWII, the Republic of China Armed Forces took over the facility for training until its eventual decommissioning. Several Japanese-era structures, including the base headquarters, barracks, and a large reinforced concrete hangar, have been preserved and are now designated as historical monuments.
There have been several proposals and feasibility studies since the mid-2010s to reintroduce civilian seaplane services for tourism, with potential routes connecting Dapeng Bay to nearby islands like Liuqiu and Penghu. The unofficial ICAO identifier 'TW-0044' was likely assigned in aviation databases in anticipation of these potential operations. However, despite initial interest and some trial flights, these plans have not yet resulted in a permanent, scheduled service due to regulatory, logistical, and commercial challenges. As of now, any prospects for reopening the site for regular seaplane aviation remain uncertain and speculative.
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