TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Chinese authorities on Friday (May 31) threatened to revoke permissions for Taiwan's airlines to fly through airspace over China’s Xinjiang Province.
It was reported the same day, per UDN, that China’s aviation industry planned to revoke permissions for Taiwan’s domestic carriers to fly through the region starting from June 1. If enforced, the measures would force many Europe-bound flights from Taiwan to use a longer route over Afghanistan, thereby increasing the duration, costs, and safety concerns of flights.
Taiwan’s two largest carriers Eva Air and China Airlines responded to the reports on Friday, saying that they have reached agreements with the Chinese authorities. Both have been granted permission to continue using their current routes to Europe, reported Formosa TV.
Taiwan’s third-largest airline, Starlux, which does not currently offer flights to Europe, is still investigating the situation, per reports.