Pakistan bars Taiwanese airlines from its airspace, Bloomberg reports

Pakistan has banned Taiwanese airlines from using its airspace in line with the One-China policy, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. Bloomberg described it as the first step of its kind by any country.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the decision to Bloomberg. According to the report, he said the aviation division follows the One China policy and only mainland China is allowed. He also said: "We have only allowed Chinese airlines to fly through Pakistan's airspace." Islamabad now permits only airlines from the People's Republic of China to overfly the country, excluding Taiwan.

Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24, cited by Bloomberg, shows that aircraft of China Airlines and EVA Airways have not crossed Pakistani airspace since the morning of October 25, a Sunday. Taiwanese carriers began rerouting flights over the weekend.

Bloomberg reported that at least 12 flights run by the two Taiwanese carriers between Asia and Europe have used Russian airspace instead of Pakistan's since Sunday. The report said the changes could affect flight planning and journey times, depending on the routes airlines choose.

The two airlines declined to comment to Bloomberg, and Taiwan's Civil Aviation Administration did not address the rerouting. The Chinese and Taiwanese foreign ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Pakistan's restrictions are stricter than China's own, since China allows Taiwanese airlines to fly over its territory. Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province, while Taipei insists on its independence.

Pakistan and Taiwan have had no formal diplomatic relations since 1951, when Pakistan severed official ties in support of the One-China policy. Islamabad and Beijing have deepened ties under the Belt and Road Initiative through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which has channelled billions of dollars into Pakistan. The reports say the long-term effect on regional aviation remains unclear.