India Looks to China for a Way Around Pakistan’s Airspace Closure
- India is discussing with China a possible route through Xinjiang, possibly near Hotan, to help Indian airlines avoid Pakistan’s airspace restrictions.
- Pakistan’s airspace closure since April 2025 has forced Indian airlines to take longer westbound routes, increasing fuel, crew, and operating costs.
- Talks between Indian and Chinese officials have continued for more than a year, but no agreement or opening date has been announced.
- Direct air links between India and China are gradually being restored, including services by China Southern, IndiGo, and Air India.
22 Articles
22 Articles
India has been negotiating with China for nearly a year to establish an alternative air route through Xinjiang airspace. Restrictions on Pakistani airspace and rising jet fuel prices due to the war in West Asia have increased operating costs. Sources say India is exploring alternative routes.
India explores Xinjiang air route to cut Pakistan airspace detour; Civil Aviation Minister Naidu says talks with China underway
Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian aircraft following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. Since then, airlines operating flights from northern and western India to Europe and North America have had to take longer routes over the Arabian Sea towards Muscat.
India in Talks With China To Explore Alternate Air Route Amid Pakistan Airspace Ban, Say Sources | 📰 LatestLY
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 in Talks With China To Explore Alternate Air Route Amid Pakistan Airspace Ban, Say Sources.
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- 78% of the sources lean Right
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