Pakistan has reversed its decision to bar Taiwanese airlines from using its airspace, restoring overflight permissions just hours after the restrictions were announced. The move came amid questions over Islamabad’s support for China’s ‘One China’ policy and its implications for Taiwan’s international aviation links.

Islamabad/New Delhi: Pakistan initially prevented two Taiwanese airlines from accessing its airspace, reportedly in line with Beijing’s ‘One China’ policy. However, the restriction was short-lived, with Islamabad restoring overflight rights for Taiwanese flights within hours.

The development attracted attention as Pakistan became the first country reported to have imposed such restrictions on the two Taiwanese carriers before reversing its decision.

Taiwanese Airlines Take Longer Routes to Avoid Pakistani Airspace

On 28 October, reports emerged that Taiwanese airlines had begun using longer flight routes to avoid Pakistani airspace.

According to Flightradar24 data, a China Airlines flight travelling from Taipei to Rome on 24 October used Russian airspace instead of its usual route through India, Pakistan and Turkmenistan.

The change in route highlighted the potential impact of restrictions on Pakistani airspace for Taiwanese carriers operating long-haul international services.

Pakistan Cites One China Policy as Taiwan Raises Concerns

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told Bloomberg News that the country’s aviation department adhered to the ‘One China’ policy and had granted permission only to mainland China. He said Pakistan had authorised Chinese airlines to use its airspace.

Taiwan, meanwhile, raised concerns over the reported restrictions, suggesting that China could have influenced Islamabad’s decision.

Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi described the move as one that could send a dangerous message to the international community. However, he did not present evidence to substantiate the suggestion of Chinese involvement.

India Signals Possibility of Direct Flights to Taiwan

Amid the developments involving Pakistani airspace, India indicated that direct air connectivity with Taiwan could be a possibility.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the issue on Wednesday, saying: “I believe that if there are direct flights, they will fly.”

His remarks came as attention turned to alternative aviation links between Taiwan and other countries in the region.

Understanding the One China Policy and Pakistan-China Relations

Under Beijing’s ‘One China’ policy, Taiwan is considered an inseparable part of Chinese territory. Pakistan has consistently supported this position and reiterated its backing in January this year, describing Taiwan as an “inseparable part” of China.

Taiwan rejects Beijing’s territorial claims and operates under its own system of government. However, only 12 countries, including Belize and Tuvalu, officially recognise Taiwan diplomatically.

Political tensions between Beijing and Taipei have also affected international aviation. Taiwanese airlines are restricted from flying over mainland Chinese airspace.

Pakistan and China, meanwhile, have maintained close political, economic and strategic relations since establishing diplomatic ties in 1951. Both countries frequently describe their relationship as an “all-weather partnership”.

Pakistan’s brief restriction on Taiwanese flights, followed by the restoration of overflight permissions, has once again drawn attention to the intersection of diplomatic policy, regional relations and international aviation.