India Explores Alternative Air Route With China Amid Pakistan Airspace Restrictions, Sources Say

India is holding discussions with China over the possibility of using an alternative air corridor through Xinjiang to reduce the impact of Pakistan’s continued restrictions on Indian aircraft, sources said on Tuesday. According to the sources, the Indian government is examining a route through Hotan in China’s Xinjiang region as an alternative to airspace that has been unavailable because of the ongoing Pakistan ban. The Ministry of External Affairs is reportedly coordinating with Chinese officials on the matter.

“The discussions regarding airspace have been underway for more than a year,” sources said, indicating that the talks predate the latest extension of Pakistan’s restrictions. The development comes after Pakistan extended its ban on Indian aircraft until October 24. According to Dawn, the extension was communicated through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority. The previous restriction had been due to expire on September 24.

Pakistan’s decision to close its airspace to Indian aircraft dates back to April 2025, following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The April 22 attack left 26 people dead and led to a sharp deterioration in relations between India and Pakistan. India announced restrictions on Pakistani-operated, owned or leased aircraft, including military aircraft, entering Indian airspace from April 30.

The prolonged airspace restrictions have affected flight routes between India and destinations in the West, forcing airlines to consider longer alternatives. An air corridor through China could potentially provide another routing option, although any such arrangement would depend on regulatory, diplomatic and operational clearances.

The airspace dispute formed part of the wider tensions that followed the Pahalgam attack. India subsequently launched Operation Sindoor, targeting what it described as terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. India said the operation was aimed at terrorist camps and infrastructure linked to the attack. The military escalation was followed by a ceasefire understanding between the two countries.

Later, Indian security forces also announced the killing of three terrorists linked to the Pahalgam attack during Operation Mahadev, carried out jointly by the Army, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police. With Pakistan continuing to restrict its airspace for Indian aircraft, New Delhi’s reported engagement with Beijing over a possible Xinjiang route highlights the broader efforts to find alternative aviation corridors and reduce the operational impact of the prolonged airspace closure.