China Airlines Pilots Get a 14‑Day Lockdown, Putting Flights on Ice
The Taiwan Health Minister announced on Monday that all pilots aboard China Airlines will be held in quarantine for two full weeks. The decision comes amid a surge of COVID‑19 cases among the crew, effectively grounding the airline even as the rest of the country remains relatively safe.
Why the Lockdown?
Since last month, investigators traced an outbreak back to the airline’s pilots and a hotel near the airport where many of them stayed. 35 confirmed infections have been reported, prompting authorities to act swiftly.
Key Points from the Health Minister
- All China Airlines pilots currently in Taiwan must undergo a 14‑day quarantine.
- Any pilot returning to Taiwan will also be sent to quarantine.
- Pilots can only resume duties once they test negative.
- Authorities suspect many pilots were infected abroad and then spread the virus back home; some might have caught it from other airline staff sharing the same hotel.
- The pandemic’s risk heightens as pilots, before testing positive, visited bars and restaurants, raising concerns about community spread—though no direct links have been confirmed.
Impact on Flights
Chen Shih‑chung stated that the move would severely affect China Airlines’ passenger and freighter routes. “We can’t help but make this tough decision for the health and safety of the entire community,” he said, emphasising that no other options were viable.
What Boeing Fans Should Know
China Airlines has pledged cooperation with the government, ramped up staff vaccinations, and begun a thorough cleaning of the evacuated airport hotel. Details on the airline’s response are still pending, as the airline has yet to comment publicly.
Bottom Line
With pilots confined and flights stalled, China Airlines faces a temporary hiatus. Officials remain vigilant as they dive deep into infection sources, while the airline works to clear its crew and get back in the air—hopefully with fewer cases and a better story to tell!
