India Seeks Alternative Air Route Through China as Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban

Despite repeated efforts by India, Pakistan’s continued closure of its airspace to Indian aircraft has pushed New Delhi to seek an alternative air corridor through China.

The Indian government has begun efforts to secure permission from Beijing to operate flights to Europe and North America through Hotan in China’s Xinjiang region. However, no final agreement has yet been reached, as Xinjiang’s airspace is considered strategically sensitive by China due to security, military and operational considerations.

Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed on Tuesday that the Indian Ministry of External Affairs is in contact with Chinese authorities over the matter, but said, “Let’s see what happens.”

India’s move comes after Pakistan once again extended restrictions on the use of its airspace by Indian aircraft until October 24, 2026, despite expectations in India that Islamabad might ease the restrictions this time.

The closure of Pakistani airspace has forced flights from India to Europe and North America to take longer alternative routes, increasing flight times, fuel consumption and operating costs. The Indian government is now looking at a route through China as a possible way to reduce the additional burden on its airlines.

The Hotan corridor could potentially provide India with a shorter alternative route, but securing access is not expected to be straightforward.

The situation has highlighted the financial and operational impact of the loss of access to Pakistani airspace on Indian airlines. Despite India’s growing economic and strategic ambitions in the region, its airlines are now seeking access to another neighbouring country’s airspace to maintain efficient connectivity with Western destinations.

Although there have been signs of improvement in some areas of India-China relations in recent months, this does not necessarily mean that Beijing will immediately approve the proposed Hotan route.

For China, airspace over the sensitive Xinjiang region involves not only commercial aviation but also security and defence considerations. The outcome of the talks therefore remains uncertain.

If China does not grant permission, Indian airlines will have to continue using longer routes south of Pakistan, while continued Pakistani restrictions are likely to keep flight times and operating costs elevated.