Pakistan airspace closed, India eyes China skies
India is negotiating with China to utilize the Hotan airspace route to bypass Pakistan, which has closed its airspace to Indian flights. This move aims to reduce fuel costs and flight times for domestic airlines facing operational challenges.
Why it matters
Geopolitical tensions frequently disrupt international aviation routes, forcing airlines to seek complex diplomatic and logistical workarounds to maintain profitability.
NEW DELHI: India is trying to work out a “Pakistan bypass” with China for its domestic airlines as the latest closure since April 2025 has made routes between Delhi and West unviable due to longer detours amid soaring oil prices. India is in talks with China to make the Hotan route in Xinjiang available to its airlines.The Hotan plan has been in the works for months, with Air India and IndiGo doing feasibility studies. AI’s Boeing 777s, B787s and Airbus A350s can take the route. IndiGo can do so after it starts getting A350s.“We are exploring alternate airspaces and Hotan is under discussion. Diplomatic-level talks are underway. We are strongly pushing for Hotan.
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