Pakistan Restores Overflight for China Airlines, EVA Air
Pakistan's civil aviation authority approved Taiwanese carriers to use its airspace after earlier restrictions tied to the one China policy.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Air Travel
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Pakistan's civil aviation authority approved China Airlines and EVA Air to use its airspace from October 28 through March 27, reversing earlier restrictions on Taiwanese carriers. An EVA Air flight to Vienna crossed Pakistan early on October 29.
Why it matters
The reversal affects routing options for Taiwanese airlines on long-haul flights that depend on overflight access. Taiwan's Cabinet condemned the politicization and weaponization of airspace, and officials warned that other countries friendly with China could adopt similar tactics.
Pakistan's approval covers a five-month window from October 28 through March 27, following restrictions that began October 25. The government has not publicly explained why access was restored, and the approval documents do not reference the earlier denial.
The players
Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority
Pakistan's national regulator for civil aviation, which issued the overflight approval for Taiwanese carriers.
EVA Air
Taiwan's EVA Air is a major airline whose Vienna-bound flight crossed Pakistan after access was restored.
China Airlines
China Airlines is Taiwan's flag carrier and one of the two Taiwanese airlines granted overflight access.
The details
Pakistan's Defense Minister had said only mainland Chinese airlines were allowed to fly over Pakistan before the approval for China Airlines and EVA Air was granted. Mainland Affairs Council spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh said the circumstances still needed clarification.
Timeline
October 25: Taiwanese carriers reportedly denied Pakistani airspace access.
October 28: Access approved for China Airlines and EVA Air.
October 29: An EVA Air flight to Vienna crossed Pakistan early in the morning.
March 27 of next year: Pakistan's overflight approval for Taiwanese carriers expires.
Political Context
Overflight denials tied to diplomatic positions on Taiwan have become a tool in cross-strait relations, as Taiwan's government warned of the politicization of airspace. The reversal for China Airlines and EVA Air shows such access can change quickly without public explanation.
Travelers booking Taiwanese carrier flights to Europe may see routing changes while the overflight approval is in effect. Because access was withdrawn and restored within days, itineraries can change on short notice, so checking carrier advisories before departure is advisable.
The takeaway
Airspace access can shift quickly when it is tied to diplomatic positions, so travelers on affected routes should confirm routing with their airline close to departure. The reversal leaves open whether similar restrictions will return when the approval expires.
What happens next
Pakistan's overflight approval for Taiwanese carriers is scheduled to expire on March 27 of next year.
Further reading
For more on how route restrictions affect flights, see Air Travel.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rti 中央廣播電臺.
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