Our Bureau
New Delhi
India is exploring an alternative air corridor through China’s Xinjiang region to reduce the impact of Pakistan’s continued closure of its airspace to Indian aircraft, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said on Tuesday. Discussions between India and China are underway over the possible use of a route near Hotan in southwestern Xinjiang.
Naidu said the proposed route could provide a significantly shorter alternative for Indian airlines operating long-haul flights to Europe and North America. The External Affairs Ministry is engaging with Chinese authorities as part of efforts to find alternatives to the longer routes currently being used by Indian carriers.
The airspace restrictions have forced Indian airlines, particularly those operating from Northern and Western India, to take longer routes over the Arabian Sea and around Pakistan. These diversions have added approximately 45 minutes to two hours to flight times on some sectors, increasing fuel consumption and operational costs.
Pakistan’s airspace restrictions on Indian aircrafts were extended and are currently scheduled to remain in force until October 24, 2026. The restrictions cover Indian-registered aircraft as well as aircraft operated, owned or leased by Indian airlines and operators.
The issue has placed additional financial pressure on airlines which operates several long-haul services from India’s northern and western hubs.
The proposed Hotan corridor, if approved, could offer Indian carriers a more direct path towards western destinations and potentially reduce flight times and fuel expenses. However, the route would depend on agreement between India and China and the necessary aviation clearances.