India explores China’s Hotan corridor as Pakistan airspace ban drags on

[Oscar]

Beijing will perceive this as weakness.

But will not turn down economic profit.

 

[K2RULEZ]

A week after China slapped them once by ratifying its border in the region of Aksai Chin, you might have expected a dignified response, but here they are begging Beijing.

What a pathetic qom. Beijing will perceive this as weakness.

China's response:

China’s J-20 Surge Near India: 11 Stealth Fighters at Hotan and Damxung Transform the LAC Airpower Balance

China’s J-20 Surge Near India: 11 Stealth Fighters at Hotan and Damxung Transform the LAC Airpower Balance - Defence Security Asia

China deploys 11 J-20 stealth fighters near India, exposing a widening fifth-generation airpower gap and transforming the strategic balance across the LAC.

defencesecurityasia.com

 

[Owaiz]

Also what is the incentive for China to actively undermine Pakistani airspace restrictions and its effect on India?

What is the benefit to China???

That is certainly the right question to ask.

Chinese civilian airspace, in general, is already open to India and China and India have a huge economic relationship that dwarfs China's relationship with Pakistan and which must be mutually beneficial for it to have survived their geopolitical differences. So, as a matter of policy, China doesn't seem to be a party to Pakistan's economic restrictions on India and helping Western and Gulf airlines at the expense of Indian ones does not appear to be a core strategic priority for China.

As for access to the Hotan corridor, it will come down to how sensitive the issue is from a security perspective and what India could offer as a quid pro quo beyond the overflight fees Indian flights would pay. Some examples could be more flight slots for Chinese airlines or greater market access for Chinese companies.

In general, it is China's interest to have a good working relationship with all its neighbors, including India, so that it can continue to focus on the other challenges facing its people, most of whom live far from the border with India.

 

[retaxis]

India and China do not have good relationships

Indian media constant slanders and brainwashes its people against china

So why would China help India? Same way China does nothing to help America against Iran either

 

[Michael]

Why bring up this tedious topic again?

This issue is completely unrelated to any economic factors or political factors between nations. It is purely a matter of China's national strategic security.

Authority over airspace management in China rests with the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Civil aviation air traffic management agencies may only operate within the scope of authorization granted by the PLA.

Regions in northwestern China—including Tibet, Xinjiang, Qinghai, and parts of Gansu and Sichuan—are areas of critical strategic security importance. Their airspace is under strict PLA control. Even with authorization, domestic civil aircraft are restricted to flying along specific routes. The vast majority of airports in these regions are dual-use (military-civilian) facilities, and civil flights are subject to strict operational restrictions upon landing.

There are extremely strict restrictions on overflights by foreign aircraft in these areas. These restrictions apply not only to India but to all other nations—including Pakistan. While overflights by foreign aircraft are not absolutely prohibited, the restrictions are very stringent.

 

[ety]

The Indian gov officials are so thick faced, keep bugging and begging Chinese gov to open its airspace for their airliners in the region that is sensitive to China's national security. Why should China give an unreasonable special favor to India, lol ? Besides, the two countries are not friendly.

 

[Yasser76]

China has India exactly where it wants it, and no doubt is grateful for Pakistani help here. Indian attitudes towards China are becoming less hostile out of desperation now. This can only be a good thing for the region.

 

[Beijingwalker]

A rock and a hard place, that's what happens when you heve yourself surrounded from all sides by enemies. India is a prisoner in its own geography.

 

[Beijingwalker]

From Pakistan To Xinjiang: India’s Search For A New Air Route​

India is exploring a proposed air route through China's Xinjiang region to provide Indian airlines with an alternative to longer flight paths caused by Pakistani and Iranian airspace restrictions

Published at: 30 September 2026 1:17 pm

SUMMARY OF THIS ARTICLE

• India is in talks for an air corridor through China's Xinjiang region, possibly via Hotan, to bypass Pakistani airspace curbs.
• Detours over the Arabian Sea and Oman add one to three hours to some flights and raise airline costs.
• The route could shorten westbound journeys, but it needs China's agreement.

India is exploring an alternative air route through China's Xinjiang region as continued restrictions on Pakistani and Iranian airspace force Indian airlines to take longer routes to Europe, North America and Central Asia.

The proposed corridor could pass through or near Hotan in southwestern Xinjiang, with Indian flights potentially entering Chinese airspace via Leh before travelling west. But discussions between India and China have been ongoing for more than a year and no agreement has been reached yet.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said, “We are looking at other alternatives. Discussion on the Hotan route is going on between the two countries. Our external affairs ministry (MEA) is engaging with their country. Let us see how it goes, but we are trying alternatives.”

Why Does India Want A Route Over Xinjiang?​

Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian carriers after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, and India subsequently imposed a reciprocal restriction. The closure has forced airlines operating westbound flights from northern and western India to use longer routes, including paths over the Arabian Sea and towards Oman.

The longer routes mean increased flying time, fuel consumption and crew costs. Air India had previously estimated that the Pakistani airspace closure could cost it about $600 million over 12 months if the restrictions remained in place. Rising aviation fuel prices have added to the financial pressure on carriers.

The prolonged diversion has particularly affected Air India, which operates a significant number of long-haul services from its Delhi and Mumbai hubs.

Former Air India CEO Campbell Wilson had estimated in 2025 that the airline lost around Rs 4,000 crore because of the Pakistani airspace closure. The additional flying time has increased fuel consumption and operating costs on affected routes.

How Would The Xinjiang Route Help?​

Pakistan lies directly along some of the most efficient westbound flight paths from northern India. The alternative routes have increased flight durations by around one to three hours.

Flights from northern and eastern Indian airports are currently being diverted over the Arabian Sea before entering Omani airspace and continuing towards Europe, North America or Central Asia.

The diversion has added around one to three hours to some flight journeys, increasing fuel consumption and operating costs for airlines.

The proposed corridor would see Indian flights enter Chinese airspace via Leh before travelling west towards Central Asia. The route could particularly help flights headed for Central Asian and eastern European destinations by providing a more direct alternative to the current detours.

The precise corridor has not yet been finalised, and the amount of time and fuel that could be saved would depend on the route China ultimately permits and which flights are allowed to use it.

The proposal could particularly benefit long-haul flights from Delhi and other northern Indian airports.

The potential route has gained additional importance because Iranian airspace is also under severe restrictions and recurring closures amid the war. Indian carriers have avoided the Iranian route, reducing the number of practical alternatives available for westbound flights.

The combination of Pakistani and Iranian airspace restrictions has therefore increased the importance of finding another corridor.

Why Isn't It Easy For India To Get The Route?​

The first obstacle is that China has to approve the use of its airspace. India cannot simply redirect commercial flights through Xinjiang. The two countries need to agree on the route, flight permissions and other aviation arrangements. Sources told India Today that discussions have been continuing for nearly a year without an agreement.
Even if an agreement is reached, the practical benefits would depend on how the corridor is structured and which flights are permitted to use it.

The proposal also comes against the backdrop of India's complicated relationship with China. The two countries experienced a prolonged military standoff following the 2020 border tensions, although bilateral relations have shown signs of improvement more recently. India and China have since taken steps towards stabilising ties, creating a broader diplomatic context for the aviation discussions.

At present, flights from northern and eastern airports such as Jaipur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lucknow and Kolkata are being diverted through the Lima 639 and Lima 301 air routes, according to The Week. The routes, managed through air-traffic control centres in Ahmedabad and Mumbai, take aircraft over the Arabian Sea before they enter Omani airspace and continue towards western destinations.

There is also the question of which flights would actually be allowed to use the corridor. Even if China agrees in principle, the eventual route could depend on aviation, security and air-traffic considerations. India Today noted that the savings would depend on the route China permits and the flights eligible to use it.

For now, therefore, the Xinjiang proposal is an alternative being negotiated, rather than a replacement for the Pakistani route.

Another challenge is that parts of Xinjiang's airspace are controlled by the Chinese military, making commercial access more complicated.

A senior Indian official said discussions with China over the proposed route have been held through multiple rounds of talks, but obtaining the necessary clearance remains difficult. The negotiations have been underway for more than a year through the Ministry of External Affairs.

Why India Wants An Air Route Over China's Xinjiang Amid Pakistan Airspace Ban | Outlook India

India is exploring a proposed air route through China's Xinjiang region to provide Indian airlines with an alternative to longer flight paths caused by Pakistani and Iranian airspace restrictions

www.outlookindia.com

 

[Beijingwalker]

Another challenge is that parts of Xinjiang's airspace are controlled by the Chinese military, making commercial access more complicated.

This is a movie based on a real recent story, a Uyghur boy in Hotan accidently gets one of his arms cut off and joint efforts are made by all walks of the society trying to get the boy to a top hospital in time so that his cut off arm can be reconnected.

The joint efforts include Chinese PLA temperarily opens the non flight military zone over Hotan for the boy's emergency flight. I don't think India will get this favor.

 

[Yasser76]

From Pakistan To Xinjiang: India’s Search For A New Air Route​

India is exploring a proposed air route through China's Xinjiang region to provide Indian airlines with an alternative to longer flight paths caused by Pakistani and Iranian airspace restrictions

Published at: 30 September 2026 1:17 pm

SUMMARY OF THIS ARTICLE

• India is in talks for an air corridor through China's Xinjiang region, possibly via Hotan, to bypass Pakistani airspace curbs.
• Detours over the Arabian Sea and Oman add one to three hours to some flights and raise airline costs.
• The route could shorten westbound journeys, but it needs China's agreement.

India is exploring an alternative air route through China's Xinjiang region as continued restrictions on Pakistani and Iranian airspace force Indian airlines to take longer routes to Europe, North America and Central Asia.

The proposed corridor could pass through or near Hotan in southwestern Xinjiang, with Indian flights potentially entering Chinese airspace via Leh before travelling west. But discussions between India and China have been ongoing for more than a year and no agreement has been reached yet.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said, “We are looking at other alternatives. Discussion on the Hotan route is going on between the two countries. Our external affairs ministry (MEA) is engaging with their country. Let us see how it goes, but we are trying alternatives.”

Why Does India Want A Route Over Xinjiang?​

Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian carriers after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, and India subsequently imposed a reciprocal restriction. The closure has forced airlines operating westbound flights from northern and western India to use longer routes, including paths over the Arabian Sea and towards Oman.

The longer routes mean increased flying time, fuel consumption and crew costs. Air India had previously estimated that the Pakistani airspace closure could cost it about $600 million over 12 months if the restrictions remained in place. Rising aviation fuel prices have added to the financial pressure on carriers.

The prolonged diversion has particularly affected Air India, which operates a significant number of long-haul services from its Delhi and Mumbai hubs.

Former Air India CEO Campbell Wilson had estimated in 2025 that the airline lost around Rs 4,000 crore because of the Pakistani airspace closure. The additional flying time has increased fuel consumption and operating costs on affected routes.

How Would The Xinjiang Route Help?​

Pakistan lies directly along some of the most efficient westbound flight paths from northern India. The alternative routes have increased flight durations by around one to three hours.

Flights from northern and eastern Indian airports are currently being diverted over the Arabian Sea before entering Omani airspace and continuing towards Europe, North America or Central Asia.

The diversion has added around one to three hours to some flight journeys, increasing fuel consumption and operating costs for airlines.

The proposed corridor would see Indian flights enter Chinese airspace via Leh before travelling west towards Central Asia. The route could particularly help flights headed for Central Asian and eastern European destinations by providing a more direct alternative to the current detours.

The precise corridor has not yet been finalised, and the amount of time and fuel that could be saved would depend on the route China ultimately permits and which flights are allowed to use it.

The proposal could particularly benefit long-haul flights from Delhi and other northern Indian airports.

The potential route has gained additional importance because Iranian airspace is also under severe restrictions and recurring closures amid the war. Indian carriers have avoided the Iranian route, reducing the number of practical alternatives available for westbound flights.

The combination of Pakistani and Iranian airspace restrictions has therefore increased the importance of finding another corridor.

Why Isn't It Easy For India To Get The Route?​

The first obstacle is that China has to approve the use of its airspace. India cannot simply redirect commercial flights through Xinjiang. The two countries need to agree on the route, flight permissions and other aviation arrangements. Sources told India Today that discussions have been continuing for nearly a year without an agreement.
Even if an agreement is reached, the practical benefits would depend on how the corridor is structured and which flights are permitted to use it.

The proposal also comes against the backdrop of India's complicated relationship with China. The two countries experienced a prolonged military standoff following the 2020 border tensions, although bilateral relations have shown signs of improvement more recently. India and China have since taken steps towards stabilising ties, creating a broader diplomatic context for the aviation discussions.

At present, flights from northern and eastern airports such as Jaipur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lucknow and Kolkata are being diverted through the Lima 639 and Lima 301 air routes, according to The Week. The routes, managed through air-traffic control centres in Ahmedabad and Mumbai, take aircraft over the Arabian Sea before they enter Omani airspace and continue towards western destinations.

There is also the question of which flights would actually be allowed to use the corridor. Even if China agrees in principle, the eventual route could depend on aviation, security and air-traffic considerations. India Today noted that the savings would depend on the route China permits and the flights eligible to use it.

For now, therefore, the Xinjiang proposal is an alternative being negotiated, rather than a replacement for the Pakistani route.

Another challenge is that parts of Xinjiang's airspace are controlled by the Chinese military, making commercial access more complicated.

A senior Indian official said discussions with China over the proposed route have been held through multiple rounds of talks, but obtaining the necessary clearance remains difficult. The negotiations have been underway for more than a year through the Ministry of External Affairs.

Why India Wants An Air Route Over China's Xinjiang Amid Pakistan Airspace Ban | Outlook India

India is exploring a proposed air route through China's Xinjiang region to provide Indian airlines with an alternative to longer flight paths caused by Pakistani and Iranian airspace restrictions

www.outlookindia.com

Clowns went from "Two front war" and "Quad alliance saar!" to "Please let us use airspace, please" very quickly heh?

 

[Ali_Baba]

lol ...

 

[Michael]

Clowns went from "Two front war" and "Quad alliance saar!" to "Please let us use airspace, please" very quickly heh?

A famous joke:

I’m going to challenge the P5 nations! But you aren't allowed to turn off your GPS... otherwise, my missiles won't be able to find where you are...

 

[Distant_Observer]

 

[ety]

Chinese gov shouldn't waste anymore of its time with India on this matter. Nonnegotiable, national security.