New Delhi: India is exploring an alternative international air corridor through China’s Xinjiang region as Indian airlines continue to face longer flight paths because of Pakistan’s restrictions on Indian aircraft.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said discussions are underway with China over the possible use of a route through Hotan in southwestern Xinjiang. The Ministry of External Affairs is involved in the talks, although no agreement has been reached and there is no confirmed timeline for the route to become operational.
The proposed corridor could provide Indian carriers with another option for reaching Europe, North America and other western destinations without flying through Pakistani airspace. The exact route and the flights that could use it would depend on the clearances and conditions agreed upon by India and China.
Pakistan has kept its airspace closed to Indian registered aircraft and aircraft operated, owned or leased by Indian airlines and operators. The latest extension runs until October 24, 2026, according to a Notice to Airmen issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority.
Why the Hotan Route Matters
Before the restrictions, Pakistani airspace offered a relatively direct corridor for many westbound flights from northern and western India. With that route unavailable, airlines have had to make longer detours, increasing flying time, fuel consumption and operating costs on several international services.
A route through Hotan could allow flights from cities such as Delhi to head north towards the Himalayan region before entering Chinese airspace and continuing towards Central Asia and Europe. However, the feasibility of such a corridor depends on Chinese approval, air traffic coordination and other operational arrangements.
There are also challenges. Parts of Xinjiang’s airspace are subject to military control, which can complicate the process of securing permissions for commercial aviation. Discussions between the two countries over the possibility have reportedly been underway for an extended period.
For Indian airlines, the proposal represents an effort to reduce the operational impact of the prolonged Pakistan airspace restriction. For now, however, the Hotan corridor remains under discussion and has not been approved for commercial operations.
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