long-haul flights
Air India Seeks China's Military Airspace Access Amid Mounting Losses from Pakistan Ban
Nov 19, 2025 07:04 pm CST
Air India is lobbying the Indian government to negotiate access to China's restricted military airspace in Xinjiang to create shorter flight routes, as the airline faces annual losses of $455 million due to Pakistan's airspace ban. The carrier seeks permission to use routes near Hotan to restore viability of its long-haul flights to North America and Europe, while also requesting temporary subsidies and resolution of legacy tax issues worth $725 million.
DGCA Grants Limited Flight Time Extension for Air India's Boeing 787 Long-Haul International Routes
Nov 01, 2025 08:32 am CST
The aviation regulator has granted Air India a limited exemption allowing their Boeing 787 flights on specific long-haul international routes to exceed standard flight and duty time limits under certain conditions. Effective from October 26, 2025, to March 31, 2026, this exemption applies only when flight times increase after departure due to unforeseen circumstances, providing operational flexibility while maintaining safety standards.