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.