Xinjiang Air Corridor Talks
India Seeks Xinjiang Air Route to Bypass Pakistani Airspace Ban
Anonymous
India is pursuing talks with China to let Indian airlines use a corridor through Hotan in Xinjiang, potentially routing flights from northern India via Leh and onward through Central Asia to Europe and North America. The proposal aims to ease longer flight times and higher costs caused by Pakistan’s closure of its airspace to Indian carriers after the 2025 Pahalgam attack; detours can add up to two hours, and Air India has estimated substantial losses. India’s civil aviation minister said diplomatic discussions are underway, but no agreement or timeline has been announced. Any corridor would require Chinese approval and operational coordination, and its benefits will depend on which routes China permits. The proposal comes amid efforts to restore India-China ties and air connectivity.
Key Points
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Air India estimated the airspace ban could cost it about $600 million over 12 months; higher aviation fuel prices amid the West Asia conflict have added to airlines’ financial pressure.
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Pakistan’s latest aviation notice extended the restrictions on Indian aircraft until October 24, 2026.
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China Southern Airlines announced it would resume direct Guangzhou–New Delhi flights from September 21, restoring a route suspended for six years; the airline said it planned to operate more than 100 weekly flights across eight round-trip routes in South Asia.
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