Pakistan Restores Airspace Access for Taiwanese Airlines After Brief Suspension

ISLAMABAD (Nazrana Times) Ali Imran Chattha 

Pakistan has restored airspace access for Taiwanese airlines following a brief suspension, with an EVA Air passenger flight becoming the first Taiwanese commercial aircraft to cross Pakistani airspace after the disruption.

EVA Air Flight BR65, travelling from Taipei to Vienna, entered Pakistani airspace at around 3:30 a.m. Pakistan time on Thursday, according to flight-tracking data cited in reports. Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority renewed overflight permissions for Taiwan-based carriers EVA Air and China Airlines on Wednesday. The approvals are valid from October 28, 2026, through March 27, 2027.

The restoration followed reports that Taiwanese passenger and cargo flights had been prevented from using Pakistani airspace over the weekend. The restrictions prompted airlines to change their routes between Asia and Europe, with some flights travelling over Russia or taking alternative routes through India.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had said that the country’s aviation policy followed Beijing’s “One China” policy, under which Pakistan recognises the People’s Republic of China and does not recognise Taiwan as a separate state. His earlier remarks had raised questions about whether Taiwanese carriers would continue to be permitted to transit through Pakistani airspace.

However, the renewed permissions have restored the airlines’ authorisation to operate overflights through Pakistan. The approval documents cover both passenger and cargo services, although some flights departing late Wednesday and early Thursday continued to avoid Pakistani airspace as the situation developed.

Taiwan’s government criticised the reported restrictions, arguing that airspace access should not be used as a political instrument. Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi said on Thursday that Taipei suspected China had been behind the move, but did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegation.

Beijing maintains that Taiwan is part of China, while Taiwan has its own government and rejects Beijing’s claim of sovereignty over the island.

The episode highlighted how geopolitical decisions can affect international aviation. Pakistani airspace provides a useful transit corridor for flights connecting Taiwan with European destinations. Restrictions can force airlines to consider longer routes, potentially increasing flight times and fuel costs.

With the permits renewed through March 27, 2027, Taiwanese airlines have regained authorisation to use Pakistani airspace during the approved period. However, the circumstances surrounding the brief interruption remain diplomatically sensitive.