Lüdao Airport

Green Island Airport (GNI) sits on the southeastern coast of Green Island (Ludao), a small volcanic island roughly 33 kilometres off the eastern coast of Taiwan. The airport is a domestic facility handling flights exclusively from Taitung Airport, a 15-minute hop across the Pacific. With a single runway and a compact terminal, it serves as the primary aerial gateway for the island's residents and the tens of thousands of tourists who visit each year. The airport is not open 24 hours; flight operations are concentrated during daytime hours, with the busiest times falling on Monday and Tuesday at 4 pm, Wednesday at 2 pm, and Thursday at 7 am, according to local traffic patterns. Despite its modest size, the airport is equipped with essential accessibility features, including wheelchair-accessible entrances, car parks, and toilets, as well as a changing table for families. The facility is operated by the Taiwan Transportation and Tourism Administration, and its website (https://www.tta.gov.tw/green) provides schedule and service information.

Getting There

Reaching Green Island Airport requires first traveling to the island itself. The most common departure point is Taitung City on Taiwan's east coast. From Taitung, travelers have two options: a flight from Taitung Airport (TTT) or a ferry from Taitung's Fugang Fishing Port. The flight takes approximately 15 minutes and lands directly at Green Island Airport. Airlines such as Daily Air operate small turboprop aircraft (typically Dornier Do-228 or similar) with a capacity of around 19 passengers. Booking in advance is essential, especially during summer months and weekends when demand surges. The ferry journey takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on sea conditions, and arrives at Green Island's Nanliao Harbor. From the harbor to the airport, the island is small enough that taxis, scooters, and rental cars are the primary transport options. The airport is located near the central-eastern part of the island, about 3 kilometres from the main village of Nanliao. A taxi ride from the harbor to the airport takes roughly 5 minutes and costs around NT$100–150. Scooter rentals are widely available on the island and offer flexibility for exploring; most rental shops can drop off and pick up scooters at the airport. There is no public bus service directly connecting the airport to other parts of the island, but walking is feasible if luggage is light—the terminal is within 2 kilometres of several hotels and dive shops.

Inside the Terminal

Green Island Airport's terminal is a single-story building designed for efficiency. On arrival, passengers disembark on the tarmac and walk a short distance to the baggage claim area. The terminal is compact but clean, with a straightforward layout that makes orientation easy. Check-in counters are located near the entrance, and security screening consists of a single lane with modern equipment. The wait area features basic seating, a small convenience shop selling snacks and drinks, and a few souvenir stands offering local products such as saltwater duck eggs and seaweed crackers. The confirmed facilities include a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible car park, and wheelchair-accessible toilets, as well as a changing table in the restroom. The toilets are functional and maintained, but there are no shower facilities. Passengers should note that the terminal lacks air conditioning in some older sections, but ceiling fans and open windows provide adequate ventilation during most of the year. For departures, check-in is recommended at least 30 minutes before the scheduled flight, as the airport processes passengers quickly due to the small volume. There are no lounges, restaurants, or extensive shopping; plan to eat before arriving or bring snacks if flying on an empty stomach. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, typical of a small island airport, but during peak hours (notably Monday and Tuesday at 4 pm) the waiting area can become crowded. Boarding is announced over a public address system, and gates are visible from the seating area. Luggage allowances are strict on the small aircraft—typically 10 kg checked and 7 kg carry-on—so pack accordingly.

Green Island Airport (GNI) and the Region

Green Island, known in Mandarin as Ludao, is a volcanic island with a total area of just 15 square kilometres. Its landscape is defined by rugged hills, coral reefs, and geothermal activity that gives rise to one of its main attractions: hot springs. The Zhaori Hot Spring is one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world, located along the eastern coast beside the ocean. Tourists come to bathe in its pools while watching the sunrise over the Pacific. Beyond the hot springs, Green Island is renowned for its marine biodiversity. The surrounding waters are part of a protected coral reef ecosystem, making the island a prime destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Popular dive sites include the Great Moss Cave and the Blue Cave, where clear waters reveal vibrant coral formations and abundant fish life. The island is also home to the Green Island Lighthouse, a white cylindrical tower built during the Japanese colonial period (1939) that offers panoramic views from its base. Hiking trails cross the island's interior, including the hike up to the Fire Spirit Mountain, the highest point at 281 metres, which provides a full view of the island and the ocean. Culturally, Green Island has a layered history. It was used as a penal colony under both Japanese and later Kuomintang rule; the Green Island Prison (commonly called the "Green Island Human Rights Museum") is now a memorial to political prisoners and a museum documenting human rights in Taiwan. This site sits on the western side of the island and draws visitors interested in Taiwan's political history. The local population is small, around 3,000 residents, many of whom work in tourism, fishing, or small-scale agriculture. The island's economy relies heavily on visitors from mainland Taiwan, especially during summer months and holidays. Ferries and flights operate daily, but services are weather-dependent—typhoons and strong winds can disrupt travel. The region is part of Taitung County, which is itself known for its indigenous culture and natural beauty. Green Island offers a quieter, more remote alternative to the larger offshore islands like Penghu or Orchid Island. Visitors typically spend two to three days exploring the island, using scooters to navigate the 19 kilometres of coastal roads that circle the island. The airport's role is vital: it provides a quick and reliable connection for both residents and tourists, reducing the travel time from Taitung to 15 minutes instead of a potentially rough hour-long ferry ride.

Practical Information

The airport is not open 24 hours. Based on flight schedules, it operates during daylight hours, generally from around 7 am to 5 pm, with flights concentrated around the busiest times: Monday and Tuesday at 4 pm, Wednesday at 2 pm, and Thursday at 7 am. These times align with common arrival and departure patterns from Taitung. For the most current schedule, check the official website at https://www.tta.gov.tw/green or call +886 8 967 1194. The airport has no ATM on site, so bring cash; the nearest bank is in Nanliao village. Credit cards are accepted at the terminal shop and some car rental agencies, but cash is preferred on the island. Wi-Fi is not publicly available inside the terminal. Mobile phone reception is generally good through Taiwan's major carriers. When flying out, arrive at least 45 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and security. The small aircraft have weight restrictions—overweight bags may be refused or incur fees. If you plan to rent a scooter, confirm with the rental company that they can meet you at the airport; some will deliver to the terminal. For travelers with mobility needs, the airport's accessibility features are functional, but pre-arrange any special assistance with your airline. One concrete piece of advice: book your return flight early, ideally when you book your arrival, because flights fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during holidays—and if the weather turns, flights can be canceled, so include a buffer day if your schedule is tight.