Taiwan Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai stated on October 28 that Taiwanese airlines recently flew over Russian airspace on select European routes. Chen noted that flight paths are requested independently by the airlines themselves, and the ministry respects their operational arrangements. The Civil Aeronautics Administration manages route origins and destinations, while specific flight paths remain subject to airline applications.
Following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, many airlines had avoided Russian airspace. However, after four years, China Airlines flights to Rome, as well as EVA Air flights to Munich, Paris, and Milan, have recently flown through Russian airspace. Chen added that airlines select optimal flight routes based on comprehensive considerations of safety and time costs.