ISLAMABAD – Taiwanese passenger jets flying between Asia and Europe suddenly found their routes blocked by Pakistan, forcing them to turn north towards Russia.
Islamabad dealt a setback to Taiwan’s aviation industry by closing its airspace to Taiwanese airlines, forcing international passenger flights to abandon established routes and divert through Russia in a strong show of support for China.
The restriction affected Taiwan’s two leading carriers, China Airlines and EVA Air, disrupting their flight operations between Asia and Europe and leaving them with fewer options for long-distance travel.
Pakistani officials confirmed strict action which comes in line with One-China policy and permits only airlines from mainland China to use its airspace. The decision reportedly makes Pakistan the first country to impose such a restriction specifically on Taiwanese airlines, extending its longstanding diplomatic support for Beijing into international commercial aviation.
The impact became visible on October 25, when flight-tracking platforms began recording significant changes in the routes followed by Taiwanese passenger aircraft.
Several flights operated by China Airlines and EVA Air were redirected through Russian airspace after previously using Pakistani flight corridors.
For Taiwanese airlines, the restriction creates fresh challenges as they already face limited route options due to political tensions involving mainland China. Pakistan previously provided useful passage for some Europe-bound services, helping airlines avoid longer or more complicated international flight corridors.
Although the airlines have not publicly disclosed the financial implications, the changes could affect flight planning and operating expenses on selected international routes. Beyond the aviation disruption, Pakistan’s decision reinforces its decades-long diplomatic alignment with Beijing.
Islamabad recognises Beijing as the sole legitimate government of China and has consistently supported the One-China principle, including in official statements issued earlier in 2026.
Pakistan, China are all-weather friends who support extensive defence cooperation, economic investment and infrastructure development. The latest restriction gives that diplomatic relationship a practical dimension, demonstrating how political alliances can influence international commercial flight operations.
Taiwanese transport authorities maintained that airlines make their own routing decisions based on safety, flight duration and operating costs. Both affected airlines have declined to publicly discuss the reported restrictions.
