India Seeks Alternative Air Route to Bypass Pakistan
NEW DELHI: India is actively pursuing a new air route through China to help its airlines avoid the increasingly complicated airspace over Pakistan. This comes as regular air travel routes between Delhi and the West have become impractical due to ongoing airspace closures that began in April 2025, alongside rising fuel prices.
The Indian government is in discussions with China to open up the Hotan route in Xinjiang for its airlines. This plan has been in the works for several months, with major airlines like Air India and IndiGo looking into the feasibility of using this route. Air India’s fleet, consisting of Boeing 777s, B787s, and Airbus A350s, is capable of flying this path. IndiGo will also be able to use it once it receives its A350 aircraft.
Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu mentioned on Tuesday during the Routes Asia 2027 event that they are examining alternative airspaces and are keen on the Hotan option. He stated, “We are negotiating at the diplomatic level and are pushing for Hotan. Additionally, we encourage airlines to offer more international flights from other regions of India, particularly from the south, where the closure of Pakistan airspace does not affect routes.”
The need for a detour is critical as international air travel has grown by approximately 5% annually over the past decade. However, the airspace blockade by Pakistan has hindered the growth plans of Indian airlines. It’s worth noting that while India also restricts airspace to Pakistani carriers, their routes primarily operate to the West.
Air India has encountered significant financial losses—around Rs 4,000 crore—because of Pakistan’s airspace closure. To address this issue, the airline has presented its plan for the Hotan route.
Some of Air India’s long-haul aircraft have advanced features that allow for extended operational time in cases of emergencies, such as engine failure or cabin depressurization, enhancing safety while flying through diverse regions.
This is not the first time Air India has sought alternative routes due to airspace issues. In the past five years, the airline has adjusted its flight paths multiple times, previously utilizing routes through Pakistan and Afghanistan before changing to longer pathways after the Taliban took control of Kabul.
With the current focus on the Hotan route, Indian authorities are looking to ensure smoother and more efficient international travel options for their airlines.
