India is exploring a possible new flight route through western China as Pakistani airspace restrictions continue to affect Indian airlines operating flights to Europe and the United States.

Indian officials have been discussing with China the possibility of allowing Indian carriers to use airspace over Xinjiang, according to people familiar with the matter. The proposed route could pass near Hotan in western China.

The discussions have reportedly been underway for several months, but the two sides have yet to reach an agreement.

Pakistan restricted its airspace for Indian airlines following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. Since then, Indian carriers operating westbound international flights have had to use longer alternative routes, increasing flight times and adding to fuel and crew expenses.

Air India has previously estimated that an extended Pakistani airspace restriction could result in losses of around $600 million over a year. Its long-distance international operations have been particularly affected.

The impact has also been amplified by higher aviation fuel costs linked to instability in the West Asia region.

China route could provide an alternative

A route through Xinjiang could give Indian airlines another option for some flights heading towards Europe and North America. However, the actual benefit would depend on the route approved by Chinese authorities and the number of flights that could use it.

For now, Indian airlines continue to avoid Pakistani airspace and operate through longer routes.

The discussions with Beijing come as India-China relations have shown signs of improvement after several years of tensions following the 2020 border confrontation.

India-China ties show signs of improvement

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently said that relations between India and China are in a better position than they were in the previous two years.

Speaking at an Asia Society event in New York, Jaishankar linked the improvement to the easing of tensions along the India-China border. He said that the prolonged border dispute had affected wider bilateral engagement, and that progress towards greater normalcy at the frontier had helped improve relations.

Recent diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Beijing has also included renewed discussions on travel, connectivity and broader bilateral ties. China-India relations have gradually stabilised since the two countries reached an understanding on disengagement in 2024.

Aviation and diplomacy intersect

The proposed Xinjiang route highlights how geopolitical tensions can have a direct impact on commercial aviation. Indian airlines have faced higher operating costs because of the need to take longer routes around Pakistani airspace.

If China approves an air corridor that is commercially and operationally viable, it could reduce some of the additional burden on airlines. However, no final decision has been announced, and discussions between the two governments are continuing.

For Indian carriers, the issue remains important as international airlines seek to manage rising fuel costs and longer flying times while maintaining services to major destinations in Europe and North America.