TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tigerair Taiwan marked its inaugural Taipei–Ishigaki Island flight on Thursday.

The new route is Tigerair Taiwan's 23rd direct flight to Japan, according to a press release. To celebrate the occasion, Tiger Airline held a ceremony at Ishigaki Airport.

Tigerair Taiwan Chairman Huang Shih-hui (黃世惠) said that Ishigaki Island is known for its crystal-clear blue waters, pristine white beaches, and rich marine biodiversity, earning it the nickname "Japan's Maldives." With this new route, travelers can reach the island in an hour, Huang said.

To mark the occasion, passengers received a limited-edition Tigerair Taiwan postcard and an Okinawa-themed commemorative fabric bag.

There will initially be two flights per week, departing from Taoyuan International Airport at noon every Thursday and Sunday. The return flight departs Ishigaki Airport at 2:50 p.m. on the same days.

The airline also launched its Kaohsiung–Sendai route on Wednesday.