The US-India travel corridor is getting a new transit hub – Taiwan. For the years, the US to Asia travelers have mostly travelled through the Middle East and Europe, relying on popular hubs, such as Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Frankfurt, London, France, and Amsterdam. Starting 1 December 2026, Taiwan-based EVA Air will be seamlessly connecting travelers to USA and India at its hub, Taipei Taoyuan Airport (TPE). Precisely, EVA Air’s New Delhi service (to be launched on 1 December) is laying a new route for Indians in North America to travel home and beyond.

EVA Air to connect USA to New Delhi via Taiwan

EVA Air is gearing up to make a comeback to India years after it removed Mumbai from its network. New Delhi is the first destination of EVA Air flights to India via Taipei. The Taiwanese airline confirmed the launch of its first-ever service to New Delhi on 1 December 2026, after getting the regulatory approvals. EVA Air is targeting winter holiday traffic from USA to India and other Asian countries.

Why Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport

For its comeback to India, EVA Air chose New Delhi over Mumbai primarily because DEL Airport is the main hub of its codeshare partner Air India, and DEL Airport is evolving as an international transit hub. Maybe, the airline is looking to share its Asia-bound passenger traffic from the US with Air India, given the fact that Air India is strengthening its Asian network comprising Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Maldives.

Air India to Fly EVA Air’s passengers beyond New Delhi 

Both EVA Air and Air India are Star Alliance members and partners. Air India will connect EVA Air’s passengers from Delhi Airport to other major Indian cities. To be precise, if you book a through itinerary from New York JFK to Kolkata, EVA Air will operate the international leg from JFK to DEL via Taipei, and Air India will operate the domestic leg from Delhi to Kolkata. interestingly, Air India operates its domestic network with a fleet of new aircraft.

EVA Air’s USA network expansion

EVA Air revealed its plans to re-enter India days after having launched flights to Washington Dulles IAD on 26 June. Washington DC became its 10th US destination after Dallas DFW joined EVA Air’s route network in October 2025. New York JFK, Chicago ORD, Seattle, Houston IAH, Los Angeles LAX, San Francisco SFO are also among EVA Air destinations in the US. As an interline partner, Southwest Airlines helps EVA Air’s passengers travel beyond these gateways.

EVA Air – not just another airline

EVA Air is one of the best global carriers, among the leading airline partners of IndianEagle.com, the most trusted travel-booking partner for Indians and other Asian immigrants in the US. It continues to earn a 5-star rating from SKYTRAX (Oscars in aviation) for offering elevated service standards, quality inflight dining, spacious seating configurations, industry-best hospitality, and seamless one-stop flights via Taipei. EVA Air not only has the best Premium Economy cabins but also launched it way back in 1992.

“During the Middle East conflict, EVA Air emerged as one of the best alternative airlines operating safe routes and flights from USA to South Asia. Some of our customers saved on airfares with our best deals for EVA Air flights from USA to India, operated in code-sharing with Air India. You can grab phone-only Indian Eagle deals, cheaper than regular online fares, by calling +1800-615-3969 (24/7),” said Dheeraj Duvvuru, CEO of Indian Eagle.

The post EVA Air to Launch New Delhi Flight on 1 December and Connect It to USA via Taipei first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post EVA Air to Launch New Delhi Flight on 1 December and Connect It to USA via Taipei appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Intermittent turbulence in the Middle East airspace due to the ongoing conflict has made way for other countries like Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Ethiopia to emerge as convenient transit hubs connecting North America with major Asian destinations, including India. EVA Air, a leading carrier of Taiwan, operates an extensive network and connects its US gateways to India, Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines via Taipei. It is one of the airlines operating safe routes and flights bypassing the conflict-led region in West Asia.

Enter Taiwan, Enjoy a Gift: Free Taipei Layover Program

EVA Air flights from USA to India hold a few benefits, the first and foremost being free Taipei layover tours with a NT$600 gift voucher as a welcome gift. This is part of the Taiwan Tourism authority’s “Enter Taiwan, Enjoy a Gift” program for international transit passengers. The ‘Enter Taiwan, Enjoy a Gift’ program allows eligible travelers to take free half-day guided or self-guided tours and explore Taipei during a layover of up to 24 hours. Free Taipei layover tours are designed to let you visit key landmarks.

Taipei Layover Program objective and validity      

The ‘Enter Taiwan, Enjoy a Gift program’ is valid until October 31, 2026. The objective is simple. Taiwan wants international transfer traffic to experience Taipei not just as a transit hub or connection point but also as a tourist stopover. International travelers transiting to the US, India, or any other country via Taipei are expected to explore the Taiwanese culture and hospitality, even if only for a few hours.

Who are eligible for free Taipei layover tours

If you choose to travel on EVA Air with Indian Eagle tickets from USA to India, you must meet the following criteria for a free Taipei layover tour:

• Non-Taiwan passport holders: Only passengers holding a passport from a country other than Taiwan (Republic of China) are eligible.

• Transit through Taoyuan Airport: Your itinerary must have a layover at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).

• Enter Taiwan during layover: You must clear immigration and enter Taiwan (not just remain inside the transit area) and stay for up to 24 hours before your next flight.

• Online registration: You must register in advance on the official campaign website with basic details such as passport number, flight information, and dates. 

Can only EVA Air passengers access the free Taipei layover program?

Free Taipei layover tours are available to most passengers, irrespective of airlines. Transit passengers of EVA Air and its codeshare partners, including Air India can get the best of guided or self-guided tours in Taipei. Several EVA Air flights from SFO, JFK, DFW, ORD, and SEA to Taipei further connect to major Indian airports through its codeshare partner, Air India.

How to claim your free NT$600 gift voucher

First, you must register on Taiwan Layover Tourism portal (halfdaytour.taiwan.net.tw) using your passport and flight PNR, prior to arrival in Taipei. After immigration clearance, you need to visit the Taiwan Tourism Administration Visitor Service Center located in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 of Taoyuan International Airport. Once your travel documents are successfully verified, the NT$600 voucher is issued immediately. The process usually takes only a few minutes and can be completed comfortably within a normal layover window.

Enter Taiwan, Enjoy a Gift: How to use NT$600 voucher and where

The NT$600 (around US$18–20) voucher comes with clear usage guidelines:

• The voucher can be used only inside Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
• Accepted at selected restaurants, cafés, duty-free shops, convenience stores, and retail outlets
• The voucher cannot be used outside the airport, including in Taipei city
• It cannot be exchanged for cash and is non-transferable
• Any unused balance is forfeited

The world’s cleanest airline (2025) with a high safety rating from aviation regulators, EVA Air has flights to India from New York, Dallas, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, and Washington Dulles. EVA Air’s US-India itineraries with best Indian Eagle deals are just a call away at +1800-615-3969 (24/7). 

Taiwan’s Free Layover Tours timing in Taipei  

Free guided Taipei city tours are available in three time slots and designed for short layovers:

Morning Tour (08:30–12:30)

• Visit Lungshan Temple, one of Taipei’s oldest and most iconic temples
• Explore National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall known for its grand architecture
• Walk through Yongkang Street, famous for local food, cafés, and Taiwanese snacks

Afternoon Tour (14:00–18:00)

• Visit Yingge Pottery Street, a hub of traditional ceramics and local crafts
• Explore Sanying Art District, known for modern art spaces and cultural exhibits
• Get a feel of Taiwan’s artistic and creative side through local studios and galleries

Evening Tour (18:00–22:00)

• Visit Zhongli Tourist Night Market, a popular spot for street food and shopping
• Enjoy authentic Taiwanese snacks and local flavours
• Experience the lively atmosphere of Taiwan’s night market culture

The post Travel on EVA Air from USA to India and Get Free Taipei Layover Tours with NT$600 Gift Vouchers first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Travel on EVA Air from USA to India and Get Free Taipei Layover Tours with NT$600 Gift Vouchers appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.