Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu says New Delhi and Beijing are discussing an alternative corridor through Xinjiang to reduce flight times and operating costs for western-bound services
New Delhi, Sept 2026 : India is exploring an alternative air route through China’s Xinjiang region for commercial airlines as the continued closure of Pakistani airspace forces Indian carriers to take longer and more expensive routes to several western destinations, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said on Tuesday.
Naidu said discussions were underway between India and China on the possibility of allowing Indian commercial flights to use the Hotan route in Xinjiang. The matter is also being taken up through diplomatic channels, with the External Affairs Ministry engaged in discussions with Beijing.
“We are looking at other alternatives. Discussion on the Hotan route in China is going on between the two countries. Our External Affairs Ministry is engaging with the country. Let us see how it goes, but we are trying alternatives,” Naidu told journalists.
The proposal assumes significance as Pakistani airspace remains unavailable to Indian-registered aircraft and aircraft operated, owned or leased by Indian airlines and operators. Pakistan extended the restriction in September, with the latest notice keeping the ban in force until October 24.
The closure has compelled Indian airlines operating certain international routes to use longer flight paths, increasing travel time and fuel consumption. An alternative corridor through China could provide another option for flights travelling towards Europe and other western destinations, subject to the outcome of bilateral discussions and necessary aviation clearances.
According to sources cited in reports, discussions on using the Hotan corridor have been underway for more than a year. The issue has gained attention amid a gradual restoration of direct air connectivity between India and China.
Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to New Delhi for the BRICS Summit, China Southern Airlines announced the resumption of direct flights between Guangzhou and New Delhi from September 21. The route had remained suspended for nearly six years.
The development forms part of efforts to restore direct air links between the two countries following disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent tensions along the India-China border.
Chinese carrier China Southern has also announced plans to operate more than 100 weekly flights across eight round-trip routes in South Asia, strengthening connectivity between China and the wider region.
Indian airlines have also resumed services to mainland China. IndiGo restarted direct India-China connectivity in October 2025 with flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, followed by Delhi-Guangzhou services in November.
Air India resumed direct flights between Delhi and Shanghai on February 1, ending a nearly six-year gap. The airline initially operated four flights a week and later increased the frequency to five weekly services from March 29.
The renewed aviation engagement comes amid broader diplomatic efforts between New Delhi and Beijing. Against this backdrop, the proposed Hotan route could emerge as an additional option for Indian carriers if the ongoing discussions result in an agreement.
