Air India has approached the Indian government to request access to restricted military airspace in China’s Xinjiang region to shorten international flight paths, according to a Reuters report quoting an internal company document. The move comes as the airline struggles with higher operational costs following Pakistan’s closure of its airspace to Indian carriers.The appeal, submitted in late October and reviewed by Reuters, follows shortly after India-China flights resumed after a five-year suspension.For Air India, the closure of Pakistani airspace has had a significant financial impact. Fuel expenses have risen by up to 29%, while journey times on certain long-haul routes have increased by as much as three hours. The airline estimated the restriction could cost $455 million per year, exceeding its reported fiscal 2024-25 loss of $439 million, reported Reuters.Air India is seeking alternative routes that would include emergency access to airports at Hotan, Kashgar, and Urumqi in Xinjiang, with the goal of improving connections to the US, Canada, and Europe. “Air India’s long-haul network is under severe operational and financial strain … Securing Hotan route will be a strategic option,” the document said according to the Reuters report.The airspace Air India is targeting lies among some of the world’s tallest mountains, with elevations above 20,000 feet, and is generally avoided by international airlines because of safety risks in the event of decompression. It also falls under the jurisdiction of China’s People’s Liberation Army Western Theater Command, which controls military assets and shares some airports with civilian flights.Aviation experts question whether China will grant permission. Shukor Yusof, founder of Endau Analytics, commented, “Air India can try, but it’s doubtful China will accede” due to the difficult terrain, limited emergency facilities, and potential security risks.The Pakistani airspace closure has already forced Air India to stop routes like Delhi-Washington in August, and evaluate others. Direct flights from Mumbai and Bengaluru to San Francisco are reportedly “becoming unviable” because of an extra three hours of travel, including a stop in Kolkata.If granted, the Hotan route could significantly reduce fuel consumption, shorten flight times, and help restore passenger and cargo capacity cut by up to 15% on routes such as New York- and Vancouver-Delhi. The airline estimates the route could lower weekly losses by around $1.13 million.The company is also requesting a “temporary subsidy till Pakistan airspace opens” and support in resolving legacy tax issues. Despite reassurances during its 2022 acquisition by Tata, Air India faces old tax claims totaling $725 million.
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