Full Breakdown
Pakistan Bars, Then Restores, Taiwanese Airlines’ Access to Its Airspace Under One-China Policy
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In this breakdown
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Core Event: Ban on Taiwanese Carriers and Subsequent Reversal
On the morning of October 25, Pakistan’s aviation authorities stopped allowing Taiwan-registered China Airlines Ltd. and EVA Airways Corp. to fly through Pakistani airspace, citing strict adherence to Beijing’s One-China policy. The restriction was the first such ban imposed by any country on Taiwanese commercial carriers. After a brief disruption, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority announced that both airlines could resume using the corridor from October 28 through March 27.
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Background & Context
Pakistan has recognized the People’s Republic of China’s claim over Taiwan since it severed formal ties with the island in 1951. The policy is reinforced by an “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” and extensive economic projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
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Data & Statistics
- October 24: 14 flights operated by the two Taiwanese carriers crossed Pakistan, underscoring the corridor’s importance for Asia-Europe services.
- After the ban, flight-tracking data showed at least a dozen Europe-bound services were rerouted through Russian airspace, with additional diversions across South Asia and the Middle East.
- The ban applied exclusively to Taiwan-registered airlines; mainland Chinese carriers continued to use Pakistani airspace.
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Official Statements & Responses
- Defense Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that Pakistan’s aviation division is bound by the One-China principle and that only airlines from the People’s Republic of China are permitted to overfly Pakistan.
- The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority issued a notice granting China Airlines Ltd. and EVA Airways Corp. permission to operate through Pakistani airspace from October 28 until March 27, providing a defined window for the carriers to restore their normal routes.
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Impact on Flight Operations
The sudden loss of the Pakistani corridor forced the airlines to rely on longer paths over Russia, the Middle East, or other parts of South Asia. These detours added several hours to flight times and increased jet-fuel consumption, raising operating costs and complicating crew scheduling and aircraft utilisation. Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration noted that it has never prohibited its carriers from flying over Russian airspace, highlighting that the added expenses stem from the Pakistani restriction rather than any Taiwanese policy.
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Verbatim Quotes
- “The aviation division follows the One China policy — only mainland China is allowed,” — Defense Minister Khawaja Asif
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What’s Next
The permission granted by the Civil Aviation Authority remains in effect until March 27, after which the status of Taiwanese carriers’ access to Pakistani airspace will be reassessed.