Taichung Shuinan Airport

The closure was a planned relocation driven by several factors. The primary reasons were: 1) Urban Encroachment: The airport was surrounded by the expanding city, making runway extensions or facility upgrades impossible. 2) Safety and Noise: Its proximity to dense residential and commercial areas created significant noise pollution and safety concerns. 3) Capacity Limitations: The single, relatively short runway could not accommodate larger, wide-body aircraft, limiting its potential for international growth. 4) Urban Redevelopment: The city government planned a major urban renewal project for the prime real estate occupied by the airport. All civilian operations were moved to the Ching Chuan Kang Air Base, which was upgraded and expanded to become the new Taichung International Airport (IATA: RMQ, ICAO: RCMQ).

The site has been completely transformed into the Taichung Shuinan Economic and Trade Park, a massive urban development project. The former runway and airport grounds are now the location of the Taichung Central Park, one of the largest urban parks in Taiwan. The area also features the Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center, the Taichung Green-Museumbrary (a combined public library and fine arts museum), an innovation and research center, as well as commercial and high-end residential zones. The original airport infrastructure, including the runway and most buildings, has been demolished and replaced by this new urban landscape.

Originally built in the 1930s during the Japanese colonial era, it served as a key military airbase. After World War II, it was used by the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) and later the Republic of China Army. In 1971, it opened for civilian domestic flights, becoming the primary air gateway to central Taiwan. For decades, it was the main airport for the region, handling flights to major Taiwanese cities and some regional charter flights. Its official IATA code was TXG and its ICAO code was RCLG. It was a vital piece of transportation infrastructure for Taiwan's economic development before its functions were superseded by the larger, more modern airport.

There are zero prospects for reopening. The land has been irreversibly redeveloped into a major urban park, commercial, and cultural hub. The airport's function has been permanently and successfully transferred to the current Taichung International Airport (RMQ/RCMQ).