Pakistan has reversed its reported decision to restrict Taiwanese airlines from using its airspace, allowing two major carriers to resume overflights under newly issued permissions.
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority has authorised China Airlines and EVA Air to operate passenger and cargo flights through Pakistani airspace from October 28, 2026, until March 27, 2027. The approvals came within hours of reports that Islamabad had barred the airlines under its support for China’s One-China policy.
The reason behind the swift reversal remains unclear, as the authorities have not publicly explained the change.
Taiwanese Airlines Receive Flight Permissions
The initial restriction followed comments by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who said Pakistan’s aviation division followed the One-China policy and permitted only mainland Chinese airlines to fly over the country.
However, official documents subsequently confirmed that both Taiwanese carriers had received permission to use Pakistani airspace. The documents did not mention the earlier restriction or explain whether the new approvals formally reversed it.
The development has raised questions about the decision-making process and the implementation of Pakistan’s aviation policy.
Flight Rerouting Increased Travel Costs
Before the permissions were restored, China Airlines and EVA Air had stopped flying over Pakistan from October 25, according to flight-tracking data.
Consequently, at least a dozen flights connecting Asia and Europe were rerouted over Russia. These alternative routes increased travel distances, flight times and fuel expenses for the airlines.
Taiwanese carriers have generally avoided Russian airspace since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, although Russia has not formally prohibited them from using it.
Pakistan maintains close diplomatic, economic and military ties with China and has consistently supported Beijing’s position on Taiwan. Nevertheless, mainland China itself allows Taiwanese airlines to use its airspace.
The latest approvals restore access for the two carriers until March 2027, although questions remain about the reasons behind Pakistan’s brief restriction and subsequent reversal.
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