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Mandarin Airlines

China Airlines' regional sister airline, flying within Taiwan

  • TaiwanCountry
  • AEIATA Code
  • MDAICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • RegionalAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Mandarin Airlines

Mandarin Airlines is a subsidiary of China Airlines, flying ATR turboprops from Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung to Taiwan’s outlying islands such as Kinmen and Penghu. Domestic allowances are small, and power banks cannot be used on board. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in, island trips and how it compares with China Airlines and EVA Air.

Founded in 1991, the airline once flew international routes but now focuses on domestic and short regional flights for the China Airlines group.

Mandarin Airlines flights to Taipei
Photo: Timo Volz / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Mandarin Airlines

Taiwan’s airlines ban the use of power banks on board:

  • Power banks cannot be used to charge devices or be charged during the flight.
  • They must be carried in cabin baggage, never in checked bags.
  • Up to 100 Wh needs no approval; 100–160 Wh needs approval from the airline.

Check-In for Domestic Flights

Domestic check-in usually closes 30 minutes before departure, and Taiwanese residents and foreigners need photo ID. Arrive at least an hour early at Songshan and Taichung.

Families and Special Assistance

Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap. ATR turboprops board by steps, so request a wheelchair or other help in advance if you need it.

Island Trips in Taiwan

Taiwan’s islands make great short trips:

  • Penghu has beaches, basalt cliffs and fireworks festivals in spring.
  • Kinmen, close to the Chinese coast, has history, museums and old villages.
  • Flights are short, usually under an hour.
  • Book early for summer weekends and festivals.

How to Find Cheap Mandarin Airlines Flights

Cheap Mandarin Airlines flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Book island flights early for summer and festivals.
  • Compare Taipei and Taichung departures.
  • Pack light for the small checked allowance.
  • Check ferry options to Penghu in summer.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to China Airlines, EVA Air and others.

Mandarin Airlines vs China Airlines vs EVA Air

Taiwan’s regional airline and its two big international airlines.

Mandarin AirlinesChina AirlinesEVA Air
TypeRegionalFull-serviceFull-service
Main airportsSongshan and TaichungTaoyuanTaoyuan
AllianceChina Airlines groupSkyTeamStar Alliance
LoyaltyDynasty FlyerDynasty FlyerInfinity MileageLands

See our China Airlines guide and EVA Air guide to compare.

Arriving in Taipei

Taipei Songshan Airport is in the city, with its own Metro station on the Wenhu Line. Taoyuan International Airport, for most international flights, is about 40 km away, linked by the Taoyuan Airport MRT.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Mandarin Airlines a Good Airline?

Yes. It is a reliable way to reach Taiwan’s islands, backed by China Airlines’ safety standards.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against Taiwan News on Taiwan’s in-flight power bank ban. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

The airline is not a full alliance member, but it is part of the China Airlines group, a SkyTeam member.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

It flies regional and domestic routes for the China Airlines group, and its flights earn Dynasty Flyer miles.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Taipei Songshan (TSA), Taichung (RMQ) and Kaohsiung (KHH) are the main bases for domestic flights to Taiwan's islands.

Popular Mandarin Airlines Routes

The busiest routes link Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung with Kinmen and Penghu. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Mandarin Airlines Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Domestic fares are simple, and change and refund rules are shown when you book.

Changes are usually allowed for a fee, subject to availability.

  • Domestic fares Changes for a fee, subject to availability.
  • Refunds Depend on the fare rules.
  • How to change Use the website or customer service.

Mandarin Airlines Seat Selection & Additional Services

Drinks are served on domestic flights. Seats can be chosen at check-in.

ATR turboprops board by steps, so allow extra time if you need help.

  • Drinks Served on board.
  • Seats Chosen at check-in.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Mandarin Airlines Baggage Allowance

Domestic passengers can usually bring one small cabin bag of up to 7 kg.

Domestic Economy usually includes 10 kg of checked baggage on small aircraft, and international allowances follow China Airlines rules.

  • Cabin bag (domestic) Usually 1 × 7 kg.
  • Domestic checked Usually 10 kg.
  • International Follows China Airlines rules.

Dynasty Flyer: Mandarin Airlines Loyalty Programme

Flights earn miles in Dynasty Flyer, the loyalty programme of China Airlines. Miles can be spent on China Airlines and SkyTeam flights.

  • Programme Dynasty Flyer (China Airlines).
  • Earn Eligible flights.
  • Redeem China Airlines and SkyTeam flights.
Join or log in on the Mandarin Airlines website

Mandarin Airlines: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Mandarin Airlines’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is AE. It appears in flight numbers (for example AE 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is MDA, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Mandarin Airlines part of?

It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.

03Where is Mandarin Airlines headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan.

04When was Mandarin Airlines founded?

The airline was founded in 1991.

05What are Mandarin Airlines’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Taipei (TSA) – Base (Songshan).

06Is Mandarin Airlines part of China Airlines?

Yes. It is a subsidiary of China Airlines and flies mainly domestic and regional routes.

07Can I use a power bank on Mandarin Airlines?

No. Taiwan's airlines ban using or charging power banks during flights.

08Where does Mandarin Airlines fly?

Mainly from Taipei Songshan, Taichung and Kaohsiung to the islands of Kinmen and Penghu.

09What aircraft does Mandarin Airlines fly?

ATR 72 turboprops on domestic routes.

10Can I earn Dynasty Flyer miles on Mandarin Airlines?

Yes. Flights earn miles in Dynasty Flyer, the China Airlines programme, which can be spent on China Airlines group flights.

11What is Mandarin Airlines' carry-on baggage allowance?

On Mandarin Airlines, domestic passengers can usually bring one small cabin bag of up to 7 kg.

12How much checked baggage does Mandarin Airlines include?

On Mandarin Airlines, domestic Economy usually includes 10 kg of checked baggage on small aircraft, and international allowances follow China Airlines rules.

13Can I change or cancel a Mandarin Airlines flight?

On Mandarin Airlines, domestic fares are simple, and change and refund rules are shown when you book. Changes are usually allowed for a fee, subject to availability.

Mandarin Airlines, its logo and trademarks are the property of Mandarin Airlines Co., Ltd. and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Mandarin Airlines unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.