India is exploring an alternative air route through China’s Xinjiang region as the Pakistan airspace ban continues to disrupt flights operated by Indian airlines. The proposed route would pass through Hotan before connecting with airways towards Europe, the UK and North America.
Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that India and China are discussing the possibility. “Discussions on the Hotan route are going on between the two countries,” Naidu said, adding that the external affairs ministry was involved in the talks. “Let us see how it goes, but we are trying alternatives.”
No agreement or timeline has been announced so far.
Why India needs a route around Pakistan
Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian-registered and Indian-operated aircraft on April 24, 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack. India subsequently closed its airspace to Pakistani aircraft.
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Indian carriers have since been forced to take longer routes, often flying south over the Arabian Sea before turning towards Europe. These diversions can add between 45 minutes and two hours to a journey, increasing fuel use and operating costs.
The impact has been particularly significant on long-haul services. Air India had earlier estimated that the closure was causing an impact of ₹4,000 crore, while fuel expenses on some routes rose substantially.
How the proposed Hotan route could work
Under the proposed plan, flights from Delhi and Mumbai could head towards Leh before entering Chinese airspace near Hotan. They would then turn west towards Kyrgyzstan and connect with existing routes serving Europe and North America.
The plan, however, faces several operational challenges.
Hotan is surrounded by high mountains, with peaks reaching more than 20,000 feet. Airlines would need carefully planned emergency descent routes in case of cabin depressurisation or engine failure. The region also has relatively few suitable emergency airports.
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A complicated route through disputed territory
The proposed corridor could also raise strategic and diplomatic questions. The area between Leh and Hotan includes Aksai Chin, which China administers but India claims as part of Ladakh.
China is also not a party to the International Air Services Transit Agreement, meaning overflight rights would have to be negotiated directly between New Delhi and Beijing.
For now, discussions remain underway as Indian airlines continue planning around Pakistan’s latest airspace restriction, which is due to expire on October 24.