Cross-Straits airfares can 'be reduced'

There is scope for reduction in airfares between the mainland and Taiwan now, since flights are direct and short, and operating them does not cost a lot, a Taiwan affairs official said yesterday.

Yang Yi, spokesman of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said carriers of both sides will soon be told that travelers are finding cross-Straits flights "too expensive".

"The current fares might be high due to the Spring Festival, a peak season for travelers," he said.