2 publishers · first seen Thu, 29 Oct 2026 11:36 UTC · updated Thu, 29 Oct 2026 11:40 UTC
Pakistan has reinstated overflight permissions for Taiwanese airlines China Airlines and EVA Air, allowing them to resume flights through its airspace after a brief restriction that began around October 25. The move followed international scrutiny and operational disruptions, as flights were rerouted through Russia or other regions, increasing costs and travel times. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had linked the initial restriction to Pakistan’s One-China policy, but civil aviation authorities later issued new permissions on October 28 without explaining the earlier change. On October 29, EVA Air Flight 65 flew from Taipei to Vienna via Pakistani airspace, confirming the restoration.
The episode raised questions about policy coordination within the Shehbaz Sharif government, as different branches appeared to send conflicting signals. Pakistan maintains an 'all-weather strategic cooperative partnership' with China, its largest creditor and key defence partner, while also seeking support from the United States, which backs Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act. The quick reversal suggests concerns over reputational and economic consequences, particularly given that Beijing itself allows Taiwanese airlines to transit its airspace.
Content auto-generated. May contain inaccuracies.