- Pakistan initially banned Taiwan flights over its airspace.
- Decision cited 'One China' policy, then quickly reversed.
- Reason for Pakistan's sudden policy U-turn remains unclear.
Islamabad/New Delhi: Pakistan briefly barred Taiwanese airlines from using its airspace in support of Beijing's 'One China' policy before reversing course and granting them permission to operate flights for the next five months, Bloomberg reported earlier today, citing Pakistani aviation documents. The development comes after Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told Bloomberg News that Islamabad's aviation policy allowed only mainland Chinese airlines to fly over the country. "The aviation division follows the One China policy — only mainland China is allowed," Asif was quoted as saying.
However, the decision appeared to change within hours. According to Dawn, documents reviewed by the Pakistani newspaper showed that Taiwan's China Airlines and EVA Airways had received permission to use Pakistani airspace from October 28, 2026, to March 27, 2027. The reason for the reversal was not immediately clear.
What Triggered Pakistan's Airspace Restriction?
Bloomberg reported that Taiwan's two major carriers had stopped flying over Pakistan from the morning of October 25, based on flight-tracking data. At least a dozen flights between Asia and Europe were subsequently routed over Russia, according to data from Flightradar24 cited in the report.
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The restrictions disrupted established flight paths and threatened to increase journey times and fuel costs for the airlines. Taiwanese carriers had largely avoided Russian airspace since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, although they were not formally prohibited from using it.
China Airlines and EVA Airways did not comment on the reported restrictions, while Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration did not directly address the rerouting.
Why the 'One China' Policy Matters
Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes moves that could imply recognition of the island as an independent state. Taiwan, however, governs itself and rejects Beijing's sovereignty claim.
Pakistan has maintained close diplomatic, economic and military ties with China for decades. Islamabad severed official relations with Taiwan in 1951 in favour of closer ties with Beijing and continues to describe China as an "all-weather" strategic partner. The reported restriction was notable because mainland China itself permits Taiwanese airlines to use its airspace, making Pakistan's stated approach more restrictive than Beijing's own aviation practice.
Why Did Pakistan Reverse Its Decision?
The reasons behind Islamabad's apparent reversal remain unclear. The aviation documents reported by Dawn indicate that Taiwanese carriers were authorised to use Pakistani airspace through March 2027, but no definitive public explanation for the change was immediately available.
It raises questions about how Pakistan intends to implement its stated support for Beijing’s One China policy in practical aviation matters.
For now, the latest reported authorisation allows China Airlines and EVA Airways to use Pakistani airspace, despite the earlier statement by Asif that only mainland Chinese airlines were permitted to fly over the country.
(With inputs from agency)
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