India is in talks with China to explore an air route over Xinjiang as an alternative for Indian airlines, which have been shut out of Pakistani airspace for more than a year, according to government sources quoted by ANI.
The Indian government is exploring an air route over Hotan in Xinjiang to mitigate the impact of Pakistan's airspace ban, the sources said. India's Ministry of External Affairs is engaging with its Chinese counterparts on the matter, and the discussions have been ongoing for over a year.
The development comes after Pakistan extended its airspace ban for Indian aircraft until October 24, according to a report in Dawn citing a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority. The previous extension of the restrictions had been scheduled to expire on September 24.
Pakistan's airspace has remained shut to Indian aircraft since April 2025, following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. India, in response, banned all Pakistani-operated, owned or leased aircraft — including military flights — from entering Indian skies from April 30.
The standoff began after the April 22 Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed. India launched Operation Sindoor in response, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. After escalation by Pakistan, India struck its airbases, forcing it to seek a ceasefire. All three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack were later killed in 'Operation Mahadev' by the Army, CRPF and J&K Police.
The prolonged closure has forced Indian carriers to take longer, costlier routes on westbound flights. An alternate route through Chinese airspace over Hotan would significantly ease the operational burden on Indian airlines if the talks bear fruit.
Sources: ANI via Lokmat Times
The Indian government is exploring an air route over Hotan in Xinjiang to mitigate the impact of Pakistan's airspace ban, the sources said. India's Ministry of External Affairs is engaging with its Chinese counterparts on the matter, and the discussions have been ongoing for over a year.
The development comes after Pakistan extended its airspace ban for Indian aircraft until October 24, according to a report in Dawn citing a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority. The previous extension of the restrictions had been scheduled to expire on September 24.
Pakistan's airspace has remained shut to Indian aircraft since April 2025, following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. India, in response, banned all Pakistani-operated, owned or leased aircraft — including military flights — from entering Indian skies from April 30.
The standoff began after the April 22 Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed. India launched Operation Sindoor in response, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. After escalation by Pakistan, India struck its airbases, forcing it to seek a ceasefire. All three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack were later killed in 'Operation Mahadev' by the Army, CRPF and J&K Police.
The prolonged closure has forced Indian carriers to take longer, costlier routes on westbound flights. An alternate route through Chinese airspace over Hotan would significantly ease the operational burden on Indian airlines if the talks bear fruit.
Sources: ANI via Lokmat Times
