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India Explores China Airspace for Alternative Route Amid Pakistan Restrictions
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CNBC TV18•29-09-2026, 16:24
India Explores China Airspace for Alternative Route Amid Pakistan Restrictions
- •India is in talks with China to use airspace over Xinjiang as an alternative route for Indian airlines due to ongoing Pakistani airspace restrictions.
- •Discussions have been ongoing for over a year, with the Ministry of External Affairs engaging Chinese counterparts on opening an alternative air corridor.
- •India is specifically exploring the possibility of using airspace over Hotan in Xinjiang for commercial flights to Europe and North America.
- •Pakistan has extended its restrictions on Indian aircraft until October 24, 2026, covering the Karachi and Lahore flight information regions.
- •The proposed Hotan route would require regulatory and security clearances from China and could reduce longer detours and increased fuel costs for Indian airlines.
Key Questions Answered
India is in talks with China to use airspace over Xinjiang as an alternative route because Pakistan extended its airspace restrictions on Indian aircraft.
Under a Notice to Airmen issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority, Pakistani airspace remains closed to Indian aircraft until 4:59 am on October 24, 2026.
India is specifically exploring the possibility of using the airspace over Hotan in Xinjiang for commercial flights to provide an alternative route for long-haul services to Europe and North America.
