started · updated
India seeks China's Xinjiang airspace to bypass Pakistan flight ban
India is engaged in ongoing discussions with China to secure access to the Xinjiang region's airspace, specifically via a route over Hotan, to serve as an alternative for commercial airlines. This move aims to mitigate the impact of Pakistan's continued closure of its airspace to Indian-registered and operated aircraft, which has been in effect since April 2025 following a terror attack in Pahalgam.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that the Ministry of External Affairs is involved in these talks, which have been underway for over a year. The proposed Xinjiang corridor could significantly reduce the increased flying times and operational costs currently faced by Indian carriers flying to Europe and North America. Currently, airlines must take longer, more expensive detours to avoid Pakistani airspace.
While discussions are progressing, no formal agreement or timeline has been established. Challenges remain, including the fact that parts of Xinjiang's airspace are under military control, complicating flight clearances. Meanwhile, Pakistan has extended its airspace restrictions for Indian aircraft until October 24, 2026.
Entities
China · India · Pakistan · Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka · Ram Mohan Naidu · Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant · Rosatom · Xinjiang
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 5 SOURCES] Using the Xinjiang airspace could reduce flying time and fuel costs for Indian airlines flying to Western destinations. tennews.in · english.mathrubhumi.com · indusbusinessjournal.com · www.newsbytesapp.com · www.news18.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The airspace standoff between India and Pakistan was triggered by a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. desitalkchicago.com · www.indiandefensenews.in · newsable.asianetnews.com · www.deccanchronicle.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed discussions regarding the Hotan route are ongoing. tennews.in · english.mathrubhumi.com · indusbusinessjournal.com · www.news18.com · desitalkchicago.com · +1 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Military control over parts of Xinjiang's airspace complicates the process of obtaining flight clearance. www.indiandefensenews.in · www.newindianexpress.com
- [● 13 SOURCES] India is in talks with China to explore using airspace over Hotan in the Xinjiang region as an alternative flight route. desitalkchicago.com · tennews.in · english.mathrubhumi.com · www.indiandefensenews.in · indusbusinessjournal.com · +8 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Discussions between India and China regarding the airspace route have been ongoing for over a year. desitalkchicago.com · tennews.in · www.indiandefensenews.in · indusbusinessjournal.com · newsable.asianetnews.com · +4 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] Pakistan has extended its airspace ban for Indian aircraft until October 24, 2026. desitalkchicago.com · www.indiandefensenews.in · newsable.asianetnews.com · www.deccanchronicle.com · www.newsbytesapp.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] India banned all Pakistani-operated, owned, or leased aircraft from its airspace starting April 30, 2025. desitalkchicago.com · www.indiandefensenews.in · newsable.asianetnews.com · www.deccanchronicle.com