Pakistan has barred Taiwanese airlines from using its airspace under its One-China policy, becoming the first country to take such a step, Bloomberg reported.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the restriction, saying Pakistan allows only airlines from mainland China to fly over its territory.
Taiwanese Flights Rerouted Through Russia
Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 shows that China Airlines and EVA Air have not flown over Pakistan since the morning of October 25.
Since then, at least a dozen flights operated by the two airlines between Asia and Europe have been rerouted over Russia. The longer routes increase flight times and fuel costs.
Neither airline commented on the change. Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration also did not address the rerouting but said it had never prohibited airlines from flying over Russia.
Pakistan’s Restrictions Go Beyond China’s Rules
Pakistan’s decision is stricter than Beijing’s own approach, as mainland China continues to allow Taiwanese airlines to use its airspace.
Islamabad has recognised Beijing as China’s sole government since the early 1950s and maintains no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
The move comes amid close economic and military ties between Pakistan and China.
China has invested heavily in Pakistan through its Belt and Road Initiative. Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets supplied to Pakistan also played a role in the 2025 conflict with India.
Pakistan has separately kept its airspace closed to Indian airlines since that conflict, reportedly costing Indian carriers around $2 billion. The government extended the ban earlier this month until November 24.
