India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that talks with Chinese counterparts are underway to route Indian commercial flights through Xinjiang, a move that has been in progress for over a year.
China Southern Airlines announced that it will resume direct Guangzhou‑New Delhi services on September 21, marking the first such flight in six years and adding more than 100 weekly round‑trip flights across eight South‑Asian routes.
The resumption follows Air India’s return to Delhi‑Shanghai on February 1, ending a nearly six‑year gap, and IndiGo’s earlier re‑launch of Kolkata‑Guangzhou and Delhi‑Guangzhou services last year.
Pakistan has barred Indian aircraft from its airspace since April 2025, a restriction that escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack and the ensuing military standoff. The ban has forced airlines to seek alternative corridors, making the China‑airspace proposal a high‑profile solution.
Officials say the new routing would cut about 350 nautical miles from the current detour, potentially saving airlines hours of flight time and reducing fuel costs. The agreement, if finalized, would also provide a diplomatic bridge amid lingering tensions on the India‑China border.
Airlines that would benefit include Air India, IndiGo, and other carriers that operate on the Delhi‑Guangzhou corridor. Travel agents in New Delhi have already begun adjusting itineraries to anticipate the new route.
The next step is a formal signing of the air‑traffic agreement, expected to take place before the end of September, after which Indian airlines will be able to navigate the new corridor without Pakistan’s consent.
If the accord is signed, it could pave the way for additional flights between China and other Indian cities, expanding commercial ties that were disrupted by the pandemic and border disputes.
Diplomats from both capitals are reportedly preparing the final draft, with the Indian government hopeful for a swift conclusion that restores connectivity for passengers and freight alike.