Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) — The Complete Guide 2026

KHH operates with a logical and walkable two-terminal layout. Unlike multi-precinct airports that require shuttle buses or trains between buildings, the International and Domestic

Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH), also known as Xiaogang Airport, is the primary aviation gateway to Southern Taiwan and the nation’s second-busiest hub. Located just 8 kilometres south of central Kaohsiung, KHH serves as a critical focus city for China Airlines, EVA Air, and Starlux Airlines, and offers a more relaxed, efficient alternative to the sprawling Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) for travellers whose destinations include the city’s vibrant night markets, the tropical beaches of Kenting, or the offshore island archipelagos of Penghu and Kinmen. In 2026, KHH handles over 7 million passengers annually, following the completion of a 2024–2025 terminal revitalisation project that modernised the international concourse, integrated 5G infrastructure throughout the building, and deployed Taiwan’s Next-Generation biometric border system. This guide provides the complete intelligence for navigating KHH with confidence.

Quick Facts — KHH 2026

Terminal Architecture: The Two-Wing System

KHH operates with a logical and walkable two-terminal layout. Unlike multi-precinct airports that require shuttle buses or trains between buildings, the International and Domestic terminals at Kaohsiung are directly connected by a long, fully climate-controlled corridor — a 10-minute walk at a normal pace. This means inter-terminal transfers are straightforward, though passengers connecting from an international arrival to a domestic hop should still budget 60–90 minutes for the process.

International Terminal — East Wing

The International Terminal is a modern glass-and-steel facility with a distinctive wave-like roof — one of the more architecturally appealing terminal buildings in Taiwan’s regional airport network. Following the 2024–2025 revitalisation, the building features:

• A centralised security hall on the 3rd floor with CT baggage scanners (see Security section)
• An expanded duty-free promenade curated by Everrich — one of Taiwan’s leading travel retail operators — with a dedicated Southern Taiwan products corner
• High-speed 5G infrastructure throughout the building
• The VAT Refund kiosk on Level 3, before check-in bag drop

Airlines operating from the International Terminal include:

• China Airlines — Taipei (TPE), Tokyo (NRT/HND), Osaka (KIX), Seoul (ICN), Bangkok (BKK), Singapore (SIN)
• EVA Air — Taipei (TPE), Tokyo (NRT), Osaka (KIX), Bangkok (BKK)
• Starlux Airlines — Macau (MFM), Da Nang (DAD), Penang (PEN), and expanding network
• Thai Airways — Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK)
• Singapore Airlines — Singapore (SIN)
• Cathay Pacific — Hong Kong (HKG)
• VietJet Air — Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Hanoi (HAN)
• AirAsia — Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK)

Domestic Terminal — West Wing

The Domestic Terminal is an older but well-maintained building that serves as the operational heart of Taiwan’s remarkable inter-island connectivity. For travellers heading to Penghu (Magong), Kinmen, or Matsu — the offshore island groups that are among Taiwan’s most distinctive travel experiences — this terminal is the departure point.

• UNI Air — Penghu (MZG), Kinmen (KNH), Matsu (MFK/LZN)
• Mandarin Airlines — Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu
• Starlux — select domestic routes

The domestic check-in process at KHH is exceptionally streamlined — 45–60 minutes of lead time is typically sufficient for inter-island flights, which operate on a community-scale where passengers and staff know each other and the process is fluid. The corridor connection to the International Terminal means domestic passengers can access duty-free, the Observation Deck café, and convenience stores in the connecting passage.

Observation Deck and Connecting Corridor

The 4th floor between the two terminals houses the Airport Observation Deck — an underrated facility featuring a café with excellent views of the runway and the distant Port of Kaohsiung. For aviation enthusiasts or passengers with time before a departure, it is a genuinely pleasant spot. FamilyMart and 7-Eleven branches are located landside in the connecting corridor, offering real-world-priced bento boxes, drinks, and snacks — a meaningful alternative to the airside food courts for passengers not yet through security.

Smart Travel: Taiwan E-Gate 3.0 and Biometric Systems

Taiwan has been at the forefront of biometric border technology, and in 2026 KHH has fully deployed the Next-Generation system across international arrivals and departures.

E-Gate 3.0 — Biometric Immigration

E-Gate 3.0 is available to citizens of over 40 countries including the USA, UK, all EU member states, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, and Singapore. The system uses advanced facial recognition and fingerprint scanning to clear immigration in under 15 seconds — dramatically faster than any staffed desk option.

To use E-Gate 3.0:

• Hold a biometric e-passport from an eligible country
• On your first use, register at the E-Gate registration desk in the arrivals hall (approximately 2 minutes)
• Subsequent arrivals and departures use the gate directly — scan your passport, face recognised, gate opens

Travellers outside the 40-country list process at staffed immigration desks. During peak arrival banks (morning flights from Japan and Southeast Asia typically 08:00–11:00), staffed desk queues can reach 20–30 minutes. E-Gate users bypass this entirely.

One-ID Biometric Boarding

China Airlines and EVA Air have deployed the One-ID system at KHH: passengers flying these carriers can register their biometric identity at the Smart Check-in kiosks in the departures hall. Once registered, your face acts as your boarding credential — no physical or digital boarding pass required at security access points or the aircraft door. The system is optional; standard boarding pass scanning remains available for passengers who prefer it.

CT Baggage Scanners — No Liquid or Laptop Removal

The 2024–2025 revitalisation project included the installation of 3D CT baggage scanners in the International Terminal’s centralised security hall on Level 3. The practical impact: passengers do not need to remove laptops or liquids from their bags during security screening. The CT system produces a rotating 3D image that security staff analyse without requiring manual unpacking. This is the same technology now deployed at London Stansted, Perth T1/T2, and major European hub airports.

Getting to Kaohsiung City and Kenting: Transport 2026

Kaohsiung MRT (KRTC Red Line) — The Definitive Choice

KHH is one of the best-connected regional airports in Asia. The MRT station (R4 — Kaohsiung International Airport) sits directly beneath the terminal buildings, accessible via lifts and escalators from the arrivals hall of both terminals.

The contactless payment system accepts international bank cards and smartphones directly at the MRT gate — no need to pre-purchase an EasyCard if you don’t plan to stay long in Kaohsiung. For longer stays, the EasyCard or iPASS stored-value card is more convenient and offers minor discounts on multiple journeys.

TPASS tip for extended stays: If you are staying in the Kaohsiung and Pingtung area for more than 3 days, the MeN Go TPASS at approximately 399 TWD per month covers unlimited Metro, bus, and light rail travel. Available at any MRT station ticket office or customer service counter.

Kenting Express — Bus 9189

For travellers heading directly to Kenting National Park on the southern tip of Taiwan, Bus 9189 operates a direct coach service from the airport.

• Single fare: 400 TWD
• Return fare: 650 TWD
• Journey time: 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic
• Booking: In 2026, pre-book via Klook or the iBus app to guarantee a seat — essential during summer months (June–August) and the Chinese New Year and Dragon Boat Festival holiday periods when the coach fills quickly
• Departure point: Ground floor outside the International Terminal arrivals exit

Taxis

Yellow metered taxis are available at the official rank outside both terminal arrivals exits.

• Fare to Pier-2 Art Center or Liuhe Night Market: 350 – 500 TWD
• Fare to Love River / Formosa Boulevard area: approximately 400 TWD
• Payment: Cash or in-car card terminal (most newer taxis accept Visa/Mastercard)

Uber

Uber is fully legal and widely used in Taiwan. The designated app-based pickup zone is outside International Arrivals Hall 1 — follow the signage from the arrivals exit. Book in the app before you reach the pickup bay. Fares are comparable to metered taxis; the advantage is the fixed in-app quote before you commit.

Premium Lounges: 2026 Guide

KHH’s lounges are boutique in size relative to TPE but offer high-quality, locally distinctive catering that reflects the city’s food culture.

China Airlines Dynasty Lounge

• Access: SkyTeam Business Class and Elite Plus members
• Signature feature: Traditional Taiwanese beef noodle soup station — one of the most celebrated airport food offerings in Taiwan, and a genuinely good bowl by any standard. Steamed dumplings (xiaolongbao) and a full Taiwanese hot buffet round out the catering
• Facilities: Showers, workstations, Wi-Fi, full bar service

EVA Air Lounge

• Access: Star Alliance Business Class and Gold members
• 2026 update: Recently refreshed with high-speed workstations and an upgraded international wine selection — the French wine programme in particular has been noted in aviation lounge reviews as a standout
• Facilities: Shower suites, quiet working environment, full food service

Plaza Premium Lounge — Independent

• Access: Priority Pass, DragonPass, LoungeKey, or walk-in payment
• Walk-in rate: Approximately 1,300 TWD ($40 USD)
• Features: Excellent shower facilities; a localised menu featuring Kaohsiung-style seafood porridge alongside international buffet options; reliable Wi-Fi and charging stations throughout
• Best for: Priority Pass holders on non-China Airlines/EVA carriers; independent travellers who want shower access before or after a flight

Food, Shopping, and the Southern Taiwan Corner

Everrich Duty Free — Southern Taiwan Corner

The expanded Everrich duty-free zone on the International Terminal’s departures floor has a dedicated Southern Taiwan products corner — a focused retail selection that is the best last-chance option for specific regional items:

• Kavalan Whisky — the internationally acclaimed Taiwanese single malt from the Yilan distillery; available at duty-free prices competitive with city shops
• SunnyHills Pineapple Cakes — Taiwanese pineapple shortbread, one of the most universally appreciated edible souvenirs from any Taiwan trip
• Local tea selections, Tainan-style confectionery, and Kaohsiung artisan products

FamilyMart and 7-Eleven — Connecting Corridor (Landside)

Both convenience stores are located landside in the corridor between the International and Domestic Terminals. Real-world pricing: a Japanese-style bento box costs 70–90 TWD, a quality coffee 45–55 TWD, and a litre of water 25–30 TWD. These are the most budget-friendly options at the airport and offer the same quality you would find at any 7-Eleven or FamilyMart in the city. Buy here before going through security.

Facilities and Amenities

Wi-Fi

“KHH Free WiFi” is available throughout both terminals and the connecting corridor. In 2026 the connection is high-speed and unlimited — no registration time limit or paid tier. Connect on arrival and remain connected until boarding.

Free Water Dispensers

Taiwan’s tap water is treated and generally safe in the city, but is not widely consumed directly without filtration. KHH provides free chilled and hot water dispensers near every restroom block in both terminals. Bring a reusable bottle to bypass the 40 TWD bottled water cost airside — the dispensers are clean, reliable, and positioned throughout the building.

SIM Cards

Chunghwa Telecom and FarEasTone kiosks are located in the International Arrivals hall. In 2026, 5G is effectively 100% in Kaohsiung city, the north coast, and Kenting. Both operators offer 5G Unlimited Tourist Packs starting at 300 TWD for 3 days, with 5-day and 7-day options at proportionally higher prices. For travellers heading to the offshore islands (Penghu, Kinmen), Chunghwa Telecom has the strongest coverage. No passport registration is required for tourist SIM purchases in Taiwan — insert, activate, and use.

VAT Refund

If you made purchases of over 2,000 TWD at tax-free participating stores in the city, visit the VAT Refund kiosk on Level 3 of the International Terminal before checking in your bags. Refundable VAT is 5% of the purchase price. Items purchased for refund must be in your checked or carry-on luggage for customs inspection — buy them in the city, carry receipts, and process before dropping bags.

Luggage Storage

Electronic lockers are located on the 1st and 3rd floors of the International Terminal. 2026 rates: 50–100 TWD per 3 hours depending on locker size. Useful for day visitors arriving before hotel check-in or passengers connecting to a domestic flight with several hours between services.

Insider Tips for KHH 2026

1. Register for E-Gate 3.0 on your first visit. The 2-minute registration at the desk in arrivals gives you under-15-second immigration clearance on every subsequent visit. Citizens of the 40+ eligible countries — USA, UK, EU, Japan, South Korea, Australia — should do this without exception.
2. Leave laptops and liquids in your bag at security. CT scanners are deployed in the International Terminal’s Level 3 security hall. The old rules don’t apply here — unpacking everything slows down the lanes.
3. Kenting Express: book ahead in summer. Bus 9189 fills during June–August and holiday weekends. Book via Klook or iBus before you travel — walk-up availability is not guaranteed in peak season.
4. Buy from 7-Eleven or FamilyMart before security. The corridor convenience stores sell quality bento boxes and coffee at real prices. A meal here versus airside food courts saves 100–150 TWD and is often better quality.
5. VAT refund before bag drop. Process on Level 3 before checking in — not after. Purchases must be available for inspection, which is impossible post-check-in.
6. MeN Go TPASS for 3+ day stays. At 399 TWD it covers unlimited Metro, bus, and light rail for a month. The MRT to the airport, buses to the night markets, light rail along the waterfront — all covered. Available at any MRT ticket counter.
7. Kavalan and SunnyHills in duty-free. If you missed these in the city, the Southern Taiwan corner in Everrich is the definitive last-chance purchase. Airport pricing is competitive on whisky.
8. Observation Deck café between terminals. The Level 4 café between the two buildings has runway views and good coffee. A genuine underrated spot at KHH — most travellers walk straight through the corridor without finding it.

Frequently Asked Questions

2026 Summary Reference