Finally, there is no guarantee the route would fully replace what has been lost. Even if approved, the Hotan corridor is one alternative among several under consideration, and its benefits would depend on the specific flight paths, aircraft range requirements and clearances that both countries agree to, none of which have been settled yet.

New Delhi: India is in talks with China to explore Xinjiang airspace as an alternate route for Indian airlines amid Pakistan airspace ban, sources said on

Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. Since then, carriers operating long-haul flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other parts of northern and western India have had to take longer routes over the Arabian Sea towards Muscat.

A route through Xinjiang could offer Indian carriers another option, although any savings would depend on the route China permits and which flights can use it.