Pakistan shuts airspace to Taiwanese airlines

Pakistan has reportedly closed its airspace to Taiwanese airlines in support of China’s One China policy, forcing some carriers to change their flight routes between Asia and Europe, according to a Bloomberg report.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the decision in an interview with Bloomberg, saying Pakistan’s aviation sector followed the One China policy, under which China is recognised as the sole authority permitted to operate under the relevant arrangements.

“We have only allowed Chinese airlines to fly through Pakistan’s airspace,” Asif said, according to the report.

The move marks a significant development in Pakistan’s aviation and diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Bloomberg described it as the first action of its kind, warning that it could contribute to further divisions in Asia amid growing tensions surrounding Taiwan’s political status.

According to data from flight-tracking website Flightradar24 cited by Bloomberg, aircraft operated by China Airlines and EVA Airways had not crossed Pakistani airspace since the morning of October 25.

The report said at least 12 flights operated by the two Taiwanese carriers between Asia and Europe had used Russian airspace instead of Pakistan’s airspace since Sunday. The changes could affect flight planning and journey times, depending on the routes selected by the airlines.

Pakistan has consistently supported Beijing’s position on Taiwan and opposed the island’s participation in international organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO).

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and maintains that the island should be reunified with the mainland. Taiwan, which operates under its own government, rejects Beijing’s claim of authority over it.

Islamabad and Taipei have had no formal diplomatic relations since 1951, while Pakistan has maintained close political and strategic ties with China.

The reported airspace restriction further reflects Pakistan’s alignment with Beijing on the Taiwan issue. However, the potential long-term impact on regional aviation and international flight operations remains unclear.

According to Bloomberg, the Chinese and Taiwanese foreign ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the reported decision.