Pakistan restores airspace access for Taiwanese airlines
Pakistan has authorised passenger and cargo flights by Taiwan’s EVA Air and China Airlines until late March following a brief airspace closure. Taiwan’s deputy foreign minister confirmed the reopening and alleged Chinese pressure behind the restriction. Flight tracking showed aircraft diverting on Europe-bound journeys before some flights resumed crossing Pakistan, a close political partner of Beijing.
Geopolitics··Evening
Taiwanese carriers regain overflight access
Pakistan reopened its airspace to Taiwan-based EVA Air and China Airlines after a brief closure affecting passenger and cargo flights. Taiwan’s deputy foreign minister Chen Ming-chi confirmed the reversal on Thursday. The airlines normally cross Pakistan on routes linking Asia and Europe.[1], [2]
Two authorisations issued by Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority and dated 28 October permit both passenger and cargo operations until 27 March 2027. The documents give no account of the reported earlier restriction or its justification. Chen said restored permissions lasted until the end of winter.[1]
Europe-bound flights took longer routes
Flight tracking showed some Europe-bound services diverting south over the Gulf or north over Russia from the weekend. A China Airlines flight from Taipei to Rome on 24 October crossed Russia rather than its previous route through India, Pakistan and Turkmenistan. Subsequent data showed some Taiwanese aircraft crossing Pakistan again.[1]
Taipei alleges pressure from Beijing
Chen alleged that China was behind the closure. Chinese involvement has not been independently established. Pakistan has close political and economic ties with Beijing and no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. China claims sovereignty over the island, a claim Taiwan’s government rejects. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said he knew of no obstacles to international travel for Taiwan residents.[1]
