Air India is pushing the Indian government to open negotiations with China for access to Xinjiang’s restricted Hotan airspace, a move the airline believes could significantly ease the financial pressure caused by Pakistan’s ongoing airspace closure.
Since April, Indian carriers have been forced to take longer detours on flights to the US, Canada, and Europe, adding up to three extra hours in the air.
The extended flight times have driven fuel consumption up by nearly 29%, contributing to a staggering annual loss of approximately $455 million. With these rising operational costs, several long-haul routes, including key services such as Mumbai and Bengaluru to San Francisco, are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain. As travel times grow, passengers have begun opting for faster one-stop options on foreign airlines, further impacting Air India’s competitiveness.
Air India believes that gaining access to the Hotan corridor in Xinjiang could be a game-changer. The airline estimates that using this shortcut could save $1.13 million per week, reduce fuel burn, restore seat capacity, and help bring operational efficiency back on track.
By pushing for diplomatic engagement, Air India hopes to secure a sustainable solution that would not only cut losses but also improve passenger experience on some of its most popular international routes.
