Key Facts
• April 2024: Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines amid diplomatic tensions.
• Air India faces up to 29% increase in fuel costs due to rerouted flights.
• Some long-haul routes now take up to 3 hours longer.
• October 2025: Air India petitioned the Indian government to negotiate with China.
• Request includes access to Xinjiang airspace and emergency airport use in the region.
• India aims to reduce travel time to the US, Canada, and Europe.
• China’s Foreign Ministry stated it is unaware of the situation and referred inquiries to relevant authorities.
• No response from Air India, or aviation authorities in India, China, and Pakistan to Reuters’ inquiries.
Summary
Air India, India’s only major international carrier, is seeking permission to use China’s Xinjiang military airspace to mitigate the economic impact of Pakistan’s airspace closure since April 2024. The closure has significantly increased fuel costs and extended flight durations on long-haul routes. In October 2025, Air India formally requested the Indian government to negotiate with China for access to Xinjiang airspace and emergency airport use in the region. This move aims to shorten travel times to destinations in the US, Canada, and Europe. While the Indian government is reviewing the request, China’s Foreign Ministry stated it is unaware of the matter. No official responses have been provided by Air India or aviation authorities in India, China, and Pakistan.
