---
title: "Pakistan Closes Airspace to Taiwan Airlines"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/pakistan-closes-airspace-to-taiwan-airlines"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/pakistan-closes-airspace-to-taiwan-airlines"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/pakistan-closes-airspace-to-taiwan-airlines.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/pakistan-closes-airspace-to-taiwan-airlines"
category: "Politics"
area: "Middle East"
published: "2026-10-28T13:25:10.220Z"
source_reported: "2026-10-28T11:48:50.000Z"
updated: "2026-10-28T20:45:14.775Z"
trust_score: 60
critic_score: 60
hype_score: 40
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-10-29T01:15:28.694571+00:00"
---

# Pakistan Closes Airspace to Taiwan Airlines

*Action supports Beijing's 'One China' policy, forcing rerouting of flights.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 60 of 100, higher is better. Central claim attributed to Bloomberg News, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif quoted directly.
- Craft 60 of 100, higher is better. Most outlets provided digests, but one full report offered details on flight rerouting and consequences.
- Hype 40 of 100, lower is better. Headlines use strong language like 'first time in history' and 'dangerous step' but the reporting is factual.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Pakistan has closed its airspace to all airlines registered in Taiwan.
- The decision is in support of Beijing's 'One China' policy, according to Pakistan's Defence Minister.
- Taiwanese airlines, including China Airlines and Eva Air, have been rerouting flights, with some now flying over Russia.
- Pakistan is reported to be the first country to implement such a ban.

Pakistan has closed its airspace to all airlines from Taiwan, a move that supports Beijing's 'One China' policy. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the restriction, stating that Pakistan's aviation sector adheres strictly to the 'One China' policy and permits only Chinese carriers from mainland China to fly over its territory. This action has compelled Taiwanese airlines to alter their flight paths.

Airlines such as China Airlines and Eva Air have been rerouting flights between Asia and Europe. Data from Flightradar24 indicates that at least a dozen flights have begun using Russian airspace as a result of the Pakistani restrictions, a route that many international carriers have avoided due to security risks and sanctions. These rerouted flights have led to increased travel times and additional fuel costs.

## Divergent details

ZN.UA reported that Pakistan's policy is stricter than that of mainland China, which permits Taiwanese airlines to cross its territory. Other reports did not include this comparison. ZN.UA also noted that Pakistan and China are deeply integrated through the 'Belt and Road' initiative and have close military cooperation, including the supply of Chinese J-10C fighter jets. This historical context and detail on the China-Pakistan alliance were not present in other reports.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated or centre-rated reports mentioned the date of 25 October as the start of the rerouting of flights, a detail present in ZN.UA. None of the reports mentioned the specific number of flights affected beyond 'at least a dozen' or 'at least ten'. No right-rated outlet ran this story.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 7 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 57% (4)
- Centre: 29% (2)
- Right: 14% (1)

0 of 7 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-29T01:15:28.694571+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 24 times; 1 check found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-29T01:30:25.730Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Left-rated reports led with Pakistan closing its airspace to Taiwanese airlines due to the 'One China' policy. These reports highlighted that airlines from Taiwan have been forced to take longer routes, with some now flying over Russia. The Independent (US) and The Independent stated that airlines were forced to take longer routes over Russia since the weekend. Outlook India noted that Pakistan barred Taiwanese airlines, prompting China Airlines and EVA Air to reroute some Europe-bound flights via Russia. Dawn reported that Pakistan barred Taiwanese airlines in line with the 'One China' policy, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stating that only Chinese airlines were permitted to fly over its airspace.

### Centre

- Centre-rated reports focused on Pakistan barring Taiwanese airlines from its airspace in support of Beijing's 'One China' policy. Business Recorder reported that Pakistan shut its airspace to carriers from Taiwan, citing the 'One China' policy, and quoted Defence Minister Khawaja Asif saying only mainland China was allowed. ZN.UA reported that Pakistan closed its airspace to all airlines from Taiwan for the first time in history, in support of Beijing's territorial claims. This report also detailed that Taiwanese airlines were forced to reroute flights, with some using Russian airspace, and that Pakistan's move was unprecedented and stricter than mainland China's policy.

### Right

- The right‑rated digests reported that Pakistan stopped Taiwanese carriers from using its airspace, saying the move follows the One‑China policy. They noted that China Airlines and EVA Airways must now fly longer routes, often via Russia. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was cited as confirming the step.
- Anadolu Ajansı’s digest added that this is the first such step by any country, according to Bloomberg. Moneycontrol noted that only mainland Chinese airlines remain permitted, while the ban’s duration was not specified. La Nacion’s digest reported a later approval granting overflight rights to two Taiwanese airlines, suggesting a reversal.
- None of the right‑rated digests mentioned any cost estimate, passenger impact, or statements from Taiwanese officials. The Times of India digest did not refer to the ban, instead noting possible direct India‑Taiwan flights, which leaves the Pakistani restriction unaddressed in that source.

**Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- high: 3
- veryHigh: 4

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [SF Gate](https://sfgate.com/news/world/article/pakistan-approves-flights-by-taiwanese-airlines-22498674.php) — Client Challenge
- [la Nacion](https://lanacion.com.ar/usa/pakistan-approves-flights-by-taiwanese-airlines-after-reported-restrictions-nid28102026) — Pakistan approves flights by Taiwanese airlines after reported restrictions
- [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/world/2026/10/pakistan-approves-flights-by-taiwanese-airlines-after-reported-restrictions) — Pakistan approves flights by Taiwanese airlines after reported restrictions – WTOP News
- [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/business/pakistan-approves-flights-by-taiwanese-airlines-after-reported-restrictions) — Pakistan approves flights by Taiwanese airlines after reported restrictions
- [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-approves-schedule-taiwan-airlines-7bb2640abcf979880afe06f842522f46) — Pakistan approves flights by Taiwanese airlines after reported restrictions
- [Islamabad Post](https://islamabadpost.com.pk/pak-bars-taiwan-airlines) — Pak bars Taiwan airlines
- [Taipei Times](https://taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2026/10/29/2003866805) — Airlines are free to choose routes, minister says
- [आज तक](https://aajtak.in/world/story/pakistan-airspace-ban-taiwan-airlines-one-china-policy-flight-rerouting-ntc-agkp-dskc-2682671-2026-10-28) — Pakistan Takes a Major Step to Appease China... Closes Airspace to Taiwanese Airlines, Changes Flight Routes!
- [Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/they-will-fly-mea-on-direct-india-taiwan-flights-after-pak-blocks-airspace-over-one-china-policy/articleshow/135269470.cms) — 'They will fly': MEA on direct India-Taiwan flights after Pakistan blocks airspace over 'One-China' policy
- [PressNewsAgency](https://pressnewsagency.org/they-will-fly-mea-on-direct-india-taiwan-flights-after-pakistan-blocks-airspace-over-one-china-policy) — ‘They will fly’: MEA on direct India-Taiwan flights after Pakistan blocks airspace over ‘One-China’ policy
- [Pragativadi: Leading Odia Dailly](https://pragativadi.com/if-there-are-direct-flights-they-will-fly-mea-reacts-after-pakistan-blocks-airspace-to-taiwanese-airlines-over-one-china-policy) — ​‘If There Are Direct Flights, They Will Fly’: MEA Reacts After Pakistan Blocks Airspace to Taiwanese Airlines Over ‘One-China’ Policy
- [Haberler](https://haberler.com/guncel/pakistan-in-tek-cin-icin-tayvan-hava-yollarina-20375099-haberi) — Pakistan Has Allegedly Closed Its Airspace to Taiwanese Airlines in Solidarity with 'One China'.
- [India Today](https://indiatoday.in/world/story/pakistan-bans-taiwan-flights-airspace-china-relationship-first-nation-itspc-3027021-2026-10-28) — Pakistan bans Taiwan airlines over One-China policy. Even China hasn't done that
- [Taiwan News](https://taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/6467199) — Pakistan closes airspace to Taiwan airlines | Taiwan News | Oct. 28, 2026 20:00
- [NewsKarnataka](https://newskarnataka.com/world/pakistan-bars-taiwanese-airlines-from-its-airspace-over-one-china-policy/28102026) — Pakistan bars Taiwanese airlines from its airspace over One-China policy
- [The Express Tribune](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637407/in-support-of-one-china-policy-pakistan-bans-taiwanese-airlines-from-using-its-airspace-report) — In support of One-China policy, Pakistan bans Taiwanese airlines from using its airspace: report
- [Moneycontrol](https://moneycontrol.com/world/pakistan-takes-beijing-s-side-bars-taiwanese-airlines-from-its-airspace-what-its-one-china-policy-means-article-14062671.html) — Pakistan tries to impress Beijing, bars Taiwanese airlines from its skies even as China stops short of such a ban
- [CNBC-TV18](https://cnbctv18.com/world/pakistan-bans-taiwan-airlines-from-flying-over-its-territory-citing-one-china-policy-20021599.htm) — Pakistan bans Taiwan airlines from flying over its territory citing One-China policy
- [The Frontier Post](https://thefrontierpost.com/one-china-policy-pakistan-bars-taiwan-carriers-from-airspace-report) — One-China policy: Pakistan bars Taiwan carriers from airspace: report
- [Anadolu Ajansı](https://aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/in-support-of-one-china-policy-pakistan-bans-taiwanese-airlines-from-using-its-airspace-report/4103783) — In Support of One-China Policy, Pakistan Bans Taiwanese Airlines From Using Its Airspace: Report
- [Hindustan Times](https://hindustantimes.com/india-news/if-there-are-direct-india-taiwan-flights-they-will-fly-mea-after-pakistan-blocks-airspace-over-one-china-policy-101793189092877.html) — ‘If there are direct India-Taiwan flights, they will fly’: MEA after Pakistan blocks airspace over 'One-China' policy
- [aljazeera.net](https://aljazeera.net/news/2026/10/28/%d8%a8%d8%a7%d9%83%d8%b3%d8%aa%d8%a7%d9%86-%d8%aa%d8%ba%d9%84%d9%82-%d9%85%d8%ac%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%87%d8%a7-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%ac%d9%88%d9%8a-%d8%a3%d9%85%d8%a7%d9%85-%d8%b4%d8%b1%d9%83%d8%a7%d8%aa) — Plumberg: Pakistan Closes Its Airspace to Taiwanese Airlines
- [Pakistan Today](https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/10/28/pakistan-bars-taiwanese-airlines-from-airspace-under-one-china-policy) — Pakistan bars Taiwanese airlines from its airspace - Profit by Pakistan Today
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/asia/south-asia/pakistan-shut-airspace-taiwain-one-china-policy-b3074778.html) — Pakistan closes airspace to airlines from Taiwan due to ‘one China policy’
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/asia/south-asia/pakistan-shut-airspace-taiwain-one-china-policy-b3074778.html) — Pakistan closes airspace to airlines from Taiwan due to ‘one China policy’
- [TechJuice](https://techjuice.pk/pakistan-becomes-first-country-to-ban-taiwanese-airlines-from-its-airspace) — Pakistan Becomes First Country to Ban Taiwanese Airlines From Its Airspace
- [The Current](https://thecurrent.pk/pakistan-bars-taiwanese-airlines-from-its-airspace-under-one-china-policy-report-says) — Pakistan bars Taiwanese airlines from its airspace under One-China policy, report says
- [Daily Pakistan Observer -](https://pakobserver.net/pakistan-blocks-taiwan-flights-from-its-airspace-to-reinforce-strategic-support-for-china) — Pakistan blocks Taiwan Flights from its Airspace to reinforce strategic Support for China - Pakistan Observer
- [Unknown](https://hindi.pardaphash.com/pakistan-abruptly-closes-its-airspace-ahead-of-diwali-causing-a-stir-in-international-aviation-and-asian-politics) — Pakistan Abruptly Closed Its Airspace Before Diwali, Sparking a Stir in International Aviation and Asian Politics.
- [Outlook India](https://outlookindia.com/international/pakistan-takes-its-taiwan-stance-to-the-skies-barring-airlines-from-its-airspace) — Pakistan Takes Its Taiwan Stance To The Skies, Barring Airlines From Its Airspace
- [arabtimesonline.com](https://arabtimesonline.com/news/pakistan-bars-taiwanese-airlines-from-its-airspace-under-one-china-policy) — Pakistan Bars Taiwanese Airlines From Its Airspace Under One-China Policy
- [Startup Pakistan - Startups, Technology and Business News From Pakistan](https://startuppakistan.com.pk/pakistans-ban-on-taiwanese-airlines-goes-further-than-chinas-own-airspace-rules) — Pakistan’s ban on Taiwanese airlines goes further than China’s own airspace rules
- [ZN.UA Зеркало недели](https://zn.ua/ukr/WORLD/pakistan-vpershe-v-istoriji-zakriv-povitrjanij-prostir-dlja-aviakompanij-tajvanju.html) — Pakistan Closes Airspace for Taiwan Airlines for the First Time in History
- [Dawn](https://dawn.com/news/2040438) — Pakistan bars Taiwanese airlines from its airspace in line with One-China policy: report
- [borskollen.se](https://borskollen.se/nyheter/27/pakistan-stanger-luftrummet-for-taiwanesiska-flygbolag-i-stod-till-peking) — Pakistan Closes Airspace to Taiwanese Airlines in Support of Beijing
- [Business Recorder](https://brecorder.com/news/40446308) — One-China policy: Pakistan bars Taiwan carriers from airspace: report
- [cna.com.tw](https://cna.com.tw/news/aipl/202610283002.aspx) — Bloomberg: Pakistan Supports the One China Policy and Closes Its Airspace to Taiwanese Airlines
- [BizToc](https://biztoc.com/x/69b93a0880feaa6f) — Pakistan Denies Entry to Taiwan Airlines Citing One-China Policy
- [Bloomberg](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-10-28/pakistan-denies-entry-to-taiwan-airlines-citing-one-china-policy) — Pakistan Allows Taiwan Airlines to Use Airspace in Abrupt U-Turn

## Questions

**Why has Pakistan closed its airspace to Taiwan?**

Pakistan has closed its airspace to airlines from Taiwan in support of Beijing's 'One China' policy. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the decision, stating that only Chinese airlines from mainland China are permitted to fly over Pakistani territory.

**What are the consequences for Taiwanese airlines?**

Taiwanese airlines, such as China Airlines and Eva Air, have been forced to reroute their flights. Some flights between Asia and Europe are now using Russian airspace, leading to increased travel times and additional fuel costs.

**Is Pakistan the first country to take this action?**

According to the reports, Pakistan is the first country in the world to implement such a ban on Taiwanese airlines flying through its airspace.

---

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