The Indian government is exploring alternative air routes for its airlines and is in discussions with China over possible access to airspace over Xinjiang, sources told NDTV Profit.
The Ministry of External Affairs is involved in the discussions with its Chinese counterparts, with talks on the possibility of using the Xinjiang route having continued for more than a year, according to the sources. A possible route over Bhutan is also being examined as New Delhi looks for alternatives.
The move comes amid the continued closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian aircraft. The restrictions have forced Indian carriers to take longer routes on several international services, increasing travel times and operational costs. Reuters had earlier reported that Air India was seeking an alternative route through Xinjiang, including access to airports in Hotan, Kashgar and Urumqi, amid the impact of the Pakistani airspace ban.
China route could offer another option
The discussions with Beijing come as India-China air connectivity has gradually expanded after years of disruption.
Several direct services between the two countries have resumed in 2026. Air India restarted flights between New Delhi and China in February, followed by Air China's return to the Beijing-New Delhi route in April. China Eastern also resumed services between Kunming and Kolkata.
IndiGo has expanded its China operations as well, including daily nonstop flights between Kolkata and Shanghai and the reinstatement of services to Guangzhou and Delhi.
China Southern Airlines has also announced the resumption of its Guangzhou-New Delhi service, restoring a route that had remained suspended for several years.
Air links return amid broader India-China engagement
The discussions over air routes come alongside renewed diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Beijing. India and China have continued talks on their bilateral relationship and border-related issues, with both sides holding high-level discussions in recent months.
For India, securing additional airspace options could provide airlines with more routing flexibility while Pakistani airspace remains unavailable to Indian carriers.
The proposed Xinjiang route, however, is still at the discussion stage, and there is no indication that an agreement allowing Indian commercial aircraft to use the route has been reached. Reuters had previously reported that the Chinese airspace sought by Air India includes sensitive areas in Xinjiang and that the airline had approached the Indian government over the issue.