India in Talks With China To Explore Alternate Air Route Amid Pakistan Airspace Ban, Say Sources
India is currently engaged in diplomatic discussions with China to explore the use of Xinjiang airspace as an alternate route for commercial flights, according to sources. The development follows ongoing airspace restrictions imposed by Pakistan on Indian aircraft, which have forced airlines to adapt their flight paths.
India is in discussions with China to explore the use of Chinese airspace as an alternative route for Indian airlines amid the continuing closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian aircraft, according to sources cited by NDTV. Talks have reportedly been underway for more than a year over a possible route through Hotan in China's Xinjiang region.
Proposed Route Through Xinjiang
Sources said the Ministry of External Affairs is engaging with Chinese counterparts on possible alternative flight routes. One option under discussion involves using the airspace around Hotan in Xinjiang to help Indian carriers avoid Pakistani airspace. Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban on Indian Aircraft Until October 24; Here's Why.
No final decision or operational start date for the proposed route has been announced so far. The discussions are also taking place as India and China work to restore direct air connectivity between the two countries.
Pakistan Airspace Restrictions
Pakistan's airspace has remained closed to Indian aircraft since April 2025. The restrictions have affected flight routes between India and destinations to the west, forcing airlines to consider longer alternative paths. Pakistan extended the restrictions again earlier this month.
The continued restrictions have increased the importance of finding additional routing options for Indian carriers, particularly on international services where avoiding Pakistani airspace can add distance and flight time. Pakistan Seeks Dialogue With India After Delhi Rejects Indus Waters Treaty Ruling.
India-China Air Connectivity Resumes
The discussions come shortly after Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to New Delhi for the BRICS Summit. Air connectivity between India and China has also been gradually restored. China Southern Airlines resumed its Guangzhou-New Delhi service on September 21, while IndiGo and Air India have already restarted selected direct services between the two countries.
China Southern said it plans to operate more than 100 weekly flights across eight round-trip routes in South Asia, according to the report.
Possible Significance for Indian Airlines
A route through Xinjiang could provide Indian airlines with another option for westbound international flights if the necessary permissions and operational arrangements are secured. However, the proposed route remains under discussion. Regulatory approvals, airspace permissions, aviation safety considerations and technical feasibility would need to be addressed before Indian carriers could begin using it. For now, officials have not announced a confirmed agreement with China or a date for commercial flights to begin using the proposed Xinjiang route.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 29, 2026 05:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
