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India Seeks Hotan Air Route to Shorten Flights, Bypass Pakistan Airspace
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Firstpost•02-10-2026, 14:16
India Seeks Hotan Air Route to Shorten Flights, Bypass Pakistan Airspace
- •India is working with China to open an air route over Hotan, aiming to shorten flights to North America and Central Asia after Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian carriers.
- •The proposed route would allow flights from Delhi to fly over Leh and into China via Hotan, saving valuable flying hours and fuel for Indian airlines.
- •The closure of Pakistani airspace forced IndiGo to suspend operations to Tashkent and Almaty from Delhi and pull out of those markets from Mumbai.
- •Approvals for the new route are complex, involving diplomatic negotiations with China, especially given past border skirmishes and the sensitive nature of the airspace.
- •The decision to open the Hotan corridor rests with Beijing's security and political leadership, not just aviation regulators, and could be influenced by China's relationship with Pakistan.
Key Questions Answered
India is exploring a new air corridor over Hotan, China, because the ongoing closure of Pakistani airspace has forced Indian carriers to take longer, more costly diversion routes for international flights to North America. This alternative route would help airlines save valuable flight hours and fuel.
Under a Notice to Airmen issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority, Pakistani airspace remains closed to Indian-registered and operated aircraft until 4:59 am on October 24, 2026.
The proposed Hotan route requires regulatory, security, and diplomatic clearances from the Chinese government, as the path overflies sensitive western airspace near areas of past border skirmishes.
