The request has gained urgency as operational costs climb sharply, adding significant pressure to an airline that is already battling losses and recovering from past disruptions.

The appeal coincides with the recent resumption of direct flights between India and China, restarting after a five-year break caused by heightened tensions and a military clash along the Himalayan border.

Industry observers say the timing underscores Air India’s widening challenge of sustaining long-haul operations both financially and strategically.

Air India’s international network has been recovering slowly after a dramatic setback earlier this year, when one of its long-haul aircraft crashed during a flight to London, leading to a temporary safety review and reduced global schedules.

While the airline has been working on restoring confidence and rebuilding operations, new geopolitical and logistical constraints have complicated those efforts.

Since April, Pakistan has kept its airspace closed to Indian carriers following a diplomatic rift, creating costly diversions on routes to Europe and North America.

Air India, the only Indian carrier with a substantial global footprint, has been disproportionately affected, increasing flight times by up to three hours and driving up fuel expenses by nearly 30% on certain routes.

An internal document submitted to Indian authorities outlines the airline’s concern that these extended routes are eroding profitability at a time when financial performance is already under strain.

The airline noted that the Pakistan airspace closure alone could impact its annual profit before tax by more than $450 million, a figure that surpasses its losses from the previous fiscal year.

To mitigate the burden, Air India wants clearance to use a faster routing through Xinjiang and seek access to emergency landing facilities in Hotan, Kashgar and Urumqi in case of unexpected diversions.

Officials familiar with the matter say the government is reviewing the proposal and evaluating whether diplomatic channels could be used to negotiate with Beijing.

The specific airspace the airline hopes to access lies near rugged mountain ranges rising above 20,000 feet and is generally avoided by many carriers due to the risks associated with decompression events in areas with limited safe-landing options.

The region also falls under the Western Theater Command of China’s military, which oversees operations along the India border and maintains advanced surveillance, missile and air-defence systems.

Military analysts note that China exercises strict control over its airspace, especially in strategic regions, limiting commercial flight corridors compared with most major aviation markets.

Recent satellite imagery shared by independent tracking sources suggests ongoing expansion of military aviation infrastructure at Hotan, one of the airports Air India hopes to use.

Without access to this shorter corridor, some long-haul routes may become increasingly difficult to operate at sustainable cost levels, according to the airline’s internal assessment.

This has raised concerns that Air India’s broader international ambitions could be challenged unless an alternative solution is secured through diplomatic or regional negotiations.

Air India has not publicly commented on the details of the proposal, and authorities in India, China and Pakistan have not issued formal responses regarding the request.

However, government officials have indicated that the situation is being reviewed with sensitivity to regional security considerations and existing bilateral complexities.

As the airline continues its long-term transformation under the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines partnership, operational efficiency and competitive route access remain central to its recovery strategy.

Industry analysts say securing new air corridors could play a decisive role in shaping Air India’s ability to compete with international rivals and maintain global connectivity despite geopolitical constraints.

The decision reflects a gradual reopening of aviation ties as both nations move forward with cautious diplomatic engagement.

The airline confirmed that the restored service to Shanghai is part of a broader plan to rebuild long-distance routes paused since early 2020, when travel restrictions forced major adjustments across regional networks.

Air India said the reinstated flights will support increased movement of passengers, students, and business travellers who rely on direct links for smoother transit.

In addition to the New Delhi–Shanghai route, the airline is exploring the launch of a Mumbai–Shanghai connection later next year, pending regulatory clearance and final assessments by aviation authorities.

The carrier noted that this expansion is aligned with its ongoing fleet transformation efforts and long-term strategy to strengthen India’s international aviation footprint.

Officials said that gradual improvements in bilateral communication have helped facilitate discussions on restoring suspended air corridors.

The return of direct flights is seen as a step toward normalising travel flows that were disrupted during global aviation shutdowns.

The move follows recent announcements from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, which confirmed that cross-border air services between India and China were expected to resume as part of phased scheduling adjustments.

Industry analysts say such developments point to a wider trend of Asian carriers reviving paused routes in response to rising travel demand across the region.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China earlier this year, his first in seven years, also contributed to renewed momentum in diplomatic dialogue.

During the meeting, both sides discussed economic cooperation, trade stability, and the importance of maintaining open channels amid fluctuating global tariffs.

Officials from both countries stated that India and China remain development partners with shared interests in commercial connectivity and regional stability.

The restoration of air services is expected to support exchanges in sectors such as education, manufacturing, and technology, which depend heavily on reliable transportation networks.

Air India’s latest announcement follows steps by other Indian carriers that have begun reopening direct routes to major Chinese cities.

Last month, budget airline IndiGo resumed its Kolkata–Guangzhou flights, signalling rising confidence in demand recovery and operational viability.

Aviation experts note that the reinstatement of long-haul routes requires coordination between regulatory bodies, airport authorities, and international partners.

With travel patterns stabilising, airlines across Asia are gradually reinstating links that were previously considered unfeasible during periods of reduced passenger traffic.

Air India has been expanding its international portfolio following its ongoing restructuring and fleet renewal initiatives.

New aircraft additions, route realignment, and service upgrades are central to the airline’s plan to strengthen India’s global aviation presence.

The decision to resume China flights is expected to benefit students, corporate travellers, and families who have faced difficulties due to the lack of direct connectivity.

Travel agencies report growing inquiries for business travel, academic programs, and tourism-related movement between the two countries.

Industry observers say that the New Delhi–Shanghai route could play a significant role in supporting trade and business engagement as companies increasingly seek stable supply chain routes.

The reintroduction of flights may also support cultural exchanges and tourism once travel demand fully normalises.

With broader regional travel steadily improving, Air India’s return to China marks an important step toward reconnecting major Asian hubs after years of limited operations.

The airline said it will release detailed schedules, ticketing timelines, and service options as regulatory procedures progress over the coming months.