Key facts
- Pakistan barred Taiwan's airlines from using its airspace.
- The ban cites support for Beijing's One-China policy.
- Taiwanese carriers China Airlines and EVA Airways stopped using Pakistani airspace on October 25.
- At least 12 flights have been rerouted, increasing travel time and fuel expenses.
Pakistan has barred Taiwanese airlines from using its airspace in support of Beijing's One-China policy, a move described as the first of its kind by any country. The decision, confirmed by Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, means only mainland Chinese airlines are permitted to fly over Pakistani territory. Taiwanese carriers China Airlines and EVA Airways stopped using the airspace on October 25, forcing at least a dozen flights to reroute through Russian airspace or across South Asia and the Middle East. This has led to increased flight times and fuel expenses for the airlines, highlighting concerns over Taiwan's operating environment.