Pakistan has issued new overflight permissions for Taiwan-based airlines China Airlines and EVA Air, following reports that the country had barred Taiwanese carriers from using its airspace in support of Beijing’s One-China policy.
According to documents reviewed by Dawn, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority authorised both airlines to operate flights through Pakistani airspace from October 28, 2026, to March 27, 2027.
The development came after Bloomberg reported that Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had said Pakistan permitted only mainland Chinese airlines to fly over its territory. The latest approvals indicate that the reported restriction was not maintained.
Taiwanese Airlines Rerouted Flights
Flight-tracking data cited by Bloomberg showed that China Airlines and EVA Air had stopped flying over Pakistan from the morning of October 25.
At least a dozen flights between Asia and Europe were reportedly rerouted over Russia, while alternative routes through other parts of South Asia and the Middle East also increased journey times and fuel costs.
Both airlines declined to comment on the reported changes. Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration did not directly address the rerouting but said it had never banned airlines from flying over Russia.
Pakistan’s One-China Policy
Pakistan maintains close diplomatic, economic and defence relations with China and supports Beijing’s One-China policy. Islamabad does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
The initial report described the reported restriction as stricter than mainland China’s own approach, as Taiwanese airlines are permitted to use Chinese airspace.
Pakistan and China have expanded their partnership through the Belt and Road Initiative, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, alongside extensive defence cooperation.
Overflight Permissions Extend to March 2027
The latest permissions allow China Airlines and EVA Air to use Pakistani airspace through March 27, 2027.
However, the documents reported by Dawn did not explain whether the permissions reversed an earlier policy decision or represented an extension of existing arrangements. Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority also reportedly had not issued a formal aviation notice announcing a ban.
The development highlights the importance of distinguishing the initial reports of an airspace restriction from the subsequent official flight permissions granted to the two airlines.
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