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Pakistan Allows Taiwan Airlines to Use Airspace in Abrupt U-Turn

Pakistan reversed a brief airspace restriction on Taiwanese carriers, granting China Airlines and EVA Airways permission to use its airspace through March 27, 2027. The abrupt reversal follows earlier reports that Islamabad had blocked Taiwanese flights in support of the One China policy, which forced carriers to reroute. The policy shift exposed a delicate diplomatic balancing act between commercial interests, the United States, and China, while generating widespread confusion and concern over potential geopolitical squeezes from Beijing.

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⚡ Key Developments & Real-Time Context
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  • ✓ Pakistan allowed Taiwanese airlines China Airlines and EVA Airways to use its airspace until March 27, 2027.
  • ✓ Islamabad initially restricted or briefly closed its airspace to Taiwanese flights in support of the One China policy.
  • ✓ The airspace restrictions prompted Taiwanese carriers to reroute flights.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 14 independent reporting domains (95% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

Pakistan granted explicit permission for China Airlines and EVA Airways to operate through its airspace until March 27, 2027, reversing an earlier restriction linked to the One China policy.

Live updates

  1. Pakistan Reverses Airspace Ban on Taiwanese Airlines

    Pakistan reversed a brief airspace restriction on Taiwanese carriers, granting China Airlines and EVA Airways permission to use its airspace through March 27, 2027. The abrupt reversal follows earlier reports that Islamabad had blocked Taiwanese flights in support of the One China policy, which forced carriers to reroute. The policy shift exposed a delicate diplomatic balancing act between commercial interests, the United States, and China, while generating widespread confusion and concern over potential geopolitical squeezes from Beijing.

    Why it matters

    The sudden policy oscillation highlighted the complex diplomatic tightrope Islamabad walks between its strategic alliance with Beijing and commercial aviation demands. Taiwan's two largest carriers had previously resumed flights through Russian airspace due to these geopolitical pressures. Meanwhile, regional officials noted that direct commercial connections between India and Taiwan would proceed regardless of regional airspace constraints.

    What is confirmed

    • Pakistan allowed Taiwanese airlines China Airlines and EVA Airways to use its airspace until March 27, 2027.
    • Islamabad initially restricted or briefly closed its airspace to Taiwanese flights in support of the One China policy.
    • The airspace restrictions prompted Taiwanese carriers to reroute flights.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The initial resumption of flights by Taiwan's two biggest airlines through Russian airspace was linked to the One China policy.

    What to watch next

    • Any permanent policy clarification from Islamabad regarding Taiwanese airline access beyond March 27, 2027.
    • Potential diplomatic pressure from Beijing regarding commercial transit agreements.
    • Developments concerning direct India-Taiwan flights.
    Sources used for this update (14)
    1. Bloomberg.com — Pakistan Allows Taiwan Airlines to Use Airspace in Abrupt U-Turn
    2. AP News — Pakistan approves flights by Taiwanese airlines after reported restrictions
    3. Nikkei Asia — Confusion over Pakistan policy on Taiwan airlines fuels China squeeze fears
    4. Taiwan News — Pakistan closes airspace to Taiwan airlines | Taiwan News | Oct. 28, 2026 20:00
    5. PYOK — Taiwan's Two Biggest Airlines Resumed Flights Through Russian Airspace And The Reason Could Be Linked to the 'One China' Policy
    6. Yahoo — Taiwan says Pakistan briefly closed airspace to Taiwanese flights
    7. Hindustan Times — ‘If there are direct India-Taiwan flights, they will fly’: MEA after Pakistan blocks airspace over 'One-China' policy
    8. The Times of India — 'They will fly': MEA on direct India-Taiwan flights after Pakistan blocks airspace over 'One-China' policy
    9. The Express Tribune — In support of One-China policy, Pakistan bans Taiwanese airlines from using its airspace: report
    10. yespunjab.com — Pakistan’s Taiwan Airspace U-Turn Exposes Diplomatic Balancing Act - Yes Punjab News
    11. theshillongtimes.com — Pakistan’s Taiwan airspace U-turn exposes diplomatic balancing act
    12. www.lokmattimes.com — Pakistan's Taiwan Airspace U-Turn Highlights Delicate ...
    confidence 95%
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