Pakistan Blocks Taiwanese Airlines Under One-China Policy

Pakistan has barred Taiwanese airlines from using its airspace as part of Islamabad’s adherence to the One-China policy, introducing a restriction that has already forced changes to passenger flights between Asia and Europe. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the policy on Wednesday, saying Pakistani aviation authorities were permitting mainland Chinese carriers rather than airlines based in Taiwan.

Flight-tracking information indicates that Taiwan’s China Airlines and EVA Air stopped crossing Pakistani airspace on the morning of October 25. At least a dozen services operated by the two carriers have subsequently travelled over Russia while flying between Asian and European destinations, illustrating the immediate operational consequences of the restriction.

The Taiwanese airlines did not publicly explain the altered routes. Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration also refrained from commenting directly on the Pakistani measure or the diversions, although it clarified that Taiwanese authorities had never prohibited local carriers from operating through Russian airspace. The absence of detailed statements leaves questions about how the airlines will manage their schedules over the longer term.

Asif said the aviation division was acting in accordance with Pakistan’s established One-China position. His remarks provide the clearest official confirmation that the routing changes reflect government policy rather than a temporary airline decision or an isolated aviation-safety adjustment. The restriction is reportedly the first measure of its kind adopted by any country specifically against Taiwanese carriers.

The decision is notable because mainland China itself permits Taiwanese airlines to cross its territory. Beijing regards Taiwan as part of China, while the authorities in Taipei reject that sovereignty claim. Pakistan ended official relations with Taiwan in 1951 and has repeatedly recognised Beijing as the sole government representing China.

Islamabad has consistently described Taiwan as an inseparable part of China and has supported Beijing on matters it considers central to its sovereignty. Earlier this year, the Foreign Office reiterated that position after Chinese military exercises around Taiwan, describing the Pakistan-China relationship as an enduring strategic partnership. The latest aviation action translates that diplomatic position into a measure affecting international commercial operations.

Pakistan and China have developed extensive economic and defence cooperation over several decades. Chinese investment under the Belt and Road Initiative has financed major infrastructure and energy projects in Pakistan, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. China is also Pakistan’s largest arms supplier, and the two countries maintain close military and diplomatic coordination.

For the affected airlines, losing access to Pakistani airspace narrows the practical routing options between Taiwan and Europe. Taiwanese carriers had largely avoided Russia following the outbreak of the Ukraine war in February 2022, despite not being formally prohibited from using Russian routes. Flying farther south through other parts of Asia and the Middle East can add journey time, increase fuel consumption and complicate aircraft scheduling.

The restriction could therefore carry consequences beyond diplomatic symbolism. Longer routes may raise operating costs, disrupt schedules and eventually affect ticket prices or cargo capacity on some services. Aviation authorities and carriers will now be watched for formal notices, revised timetables or clarification about the duration and scope of the measure, while the decision is also likely to draw attention from Taipei and other governments monitoring tensions surrounding Taiwan.