New Delhi: India is exploring an alternative air route through China as its airlines continue to face restrictions on using Pakistani airspace. The proposed route could help carriers avoid longer diversions that have increased flying time and operating costs on flights to western destinations.
According to sources cited by NDTV, India and China are in talks to explore the use of airspace over Xinjiang, including a possible route through Hotan, as an alternative for Indian airlines. The discussions have reportedly been underway for more than a year, with the ministry of external affairs engaging its Chinese counterparts on the matter.
The civil aviation minister, Ram Mohan Naidu, said on Tuesday that India is discussing the use of Chinese airspace in Xinjiang to address the impact of the Pakistani restrictions. He said discussions on the Hotan route are taking place between the two countries and that the Indian ministry is engaging with China as India looks for alternative options.
Naidu also said the closure of Pakistani airspace has increased flight times by around 45 minutes to two hours, depending on the route. Longer journeys mean airlines have to use more fuel and can also face higher operating costs, making alternative air corridors important for international operations.
For Indian airlines, the importance of a Chinese route goes beyond simply adding another flight path. Access to suitable Chinese airspace could reduce the need for some lengthy diversions and help carriers manage fuel consumption, flying time and aircraft schedules more efficiently.
Xinjiang’s location makes the route useful for India. The region borders several Central Asian countries and could offer a shorter path for flights travelling from India towards the west, giving airlines another option when planning international services.
Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian aircraft in April 2025 following tension in bilateral relations after the Pahalgam terror attack and the military confrontation between India and Pakistan. The restriction has since been extended several times, continuing to affect Indian carriers using routes that would normally pass through Pakistani airspace.
For airlines, the impact is particularly significant on longer international services. Additional flying time can increase fuel consumption and operating expenses, while also affecting aircraft utilization, crew planning and flight schedules.
The possibility of using Chinese airspace comes as India-China aviation links have also begun returning after years of disruption. Earlier, RNA Media reported that China Southern Airlines has announced the restoration of its Guangzhou-New Delhi service, while Indian carriers have resumed direct flights to mainland China after a prolonged gap.
IndiGo restarted Kolkata-Guangzhou flights in October 2025 and later resumed services between Delhi and Guangzhou. Air India also restored its Delhi-Shanghai service, bringing back a major India-China connection after nearly six years.
The renewed air connectivity comes amid increased diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Beijing. The Chinese president, Xi Jinping, participation in the BRICS Summit in New Delhi has added to the broader engagement, while any arrangement allowing Indian airlines to use Chinese airspace would require further coordination and operational clearances.