Islamabad Lifts Overflight Restriction on Two Taiwanese Carriers

Islamabad, October 30

Pakistan has restored overflight permission for Taiwanese aircraft only hours after restricting two Taiwanese airlines from its airspace. The reversal has become a focal point in discussions about diplomacy, regional ties and the operation of international aviation.

Earlier this week, Pakistan declined entry to two Taiwanese airlines into its airspace, a step reportedly consistent with China's 'One China' policy. The ban, however, did not last long. Within a few hours, Islamabad revised its position and reinstated overflight rights for Taiwanese flights.

What drew particular notice was that Pakistan became the first country to revoke its restriction on these two Taiwanese carriers after imposing it.

Taiwan responded with concern. Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi said the move could send an alarming signal to the international community and suggested that Chinese influence may have shaped Pakistan's choice. He did not provide evidence to back this assertion.

Taiwan's Executive Yuan spokesperson, Michelle Lee, told a cabinet press conference that the government deeply regretted Pakistan's temporary closure of its airspace to Taiwanese airlines. She added that Taiwan was disappointed by Pakistan's conduct. She charged that Pakistan had bent to Chinese pressure, compromised flight safety, overlooked international rules and realities, weakened Taiwan's sovereignty and used its airspace for political purposes.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had earlier said that Islamabad permitted only Chinese airlines to cross its airspace. He stated, "The aviation department follows the One China policy. Only mainland China is permitted."

Data on flight monitoring showed that between October 25 and 28, Taiwanese airlines rerouted their services and did not cross Pakistani airspace. Permission has now been granted to China Airlines Limited and EVA Air Corporation to operate through Pakistani airspace from October 28, 2026, to March 27, 2027.

During October 25 to 28, the two carriers ran at least a dozen flights between Asia and Europe. These flights had been passing over Russia.