Archive · 20 Nov 2025
Air India Seeks China Route, PMO Reviews Rs 4,000-Cr Relief
Air India, India's main international airline, is asking China to let it use a sensitive military airspace zone in Xinjiang to save money and time.
This is because Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian carriers since their diplomatic tensions erupted in late April.
Air India says this closure is costing them a lot of money and making some long-haul routes unviable.
Meanwhile, the Indian government is reviewing Air India's plea and has called a high-level meeting to discuss a potential Rs 4,000-crore relief package.
Air India requests China to use Xinjiang airspace to shorten routes
Financial strain due to Pakistan's airspace closure since April
Fuel costs up by 29%, journey times increased by up to three hours
PMO calls high-level meeting under 'Operation Sindoor' for relief
Air India estimates $455 million annual impact due to Pakistan airspace closure
- Who
- Air India, Indian government
- What
- Requests China to use Xinjiang airspace, reviews relief package
- When
- Late October 2023, ongoing
- Where
- Xinjiang, China, India
- Why
- To shorten routes, reduce financial losses due to Pakistan's airspace closure
Air India's Stance
Chinese Military's Stance (implied)
Airspace Access
Air India's Stance
Air India seeks access to Xinjiang airspace to reduce costs and improve route viability
Chinese Military's Stance (implied)
Chinese military may deny access due to security concerns and control over airspace
- Financial Impact
- Estimated $455 million annually
- Fuel Cost Increase
- Up to 29%
- Journey Time Increase
- Up to three hours on some routes
- Affected Routes
- Delhi-Washington, Mumbai-San Francisco, Bengaluru-San Francisco
- Relief Package
- Rs 4,000-crore subsidy under review
Sources
‘Long-haul network under severe strain’: Air India seeks China’s Xinjiang airspace as losses mount
Air India lobbies to use airspace over China's Xinjiang as financial woes mount
Op Sindoor Fallout: Air India Knocks At PMO Door for China Route, Rs 4,000-Cr Relief Amid Soaring Losses
Air India Lobbies New Delhi To Convince China To Use Its Military Airspace
Air India lobbies to use airspace over China's Xinjiang as financial woes mount
