Air India Seeks Xinjiang Airspace Access for the Shorten Routes, Cut Fuel Costs and Enhance Their Global Tourism Connectivity Growth in Between India and China

Published on November 19, 2025

It sees this as a strategic move to ease operational difficulties arising from the closure of Pakistan’s airspace, and for this purpose, Air India has sought the Indian government’s assistance in getting access to Xinjiang airspace over the region of Hotan in China’s westernmost province. If approved, this would cut flying time substantially, reduce fuel consumption, and eventually help the tourism sector in India with shorter, more affordable flights to China, Europe, and North America.

The decision also comes in line with Air India’s bigger plan to expand its longhaul network and improve tourism connectivity. Opening up the Xinjiang airspace to Indian flights could be a game-changer for the tourism industry, making it easier to travel between the two countries for tourists from India and China, along with improving tourism flows to and from major destinations in Europe and Asia.

Reducing Travel Time and Boosting Tourism between India and China

One of the primary tourism impacts of gaining access to Xinjiang’s airspace would be the improved connectivity between India and China, two of the world’s most populous and culturally rich countries. Currently, flights between India and China are often subject to longer travel times and detours, making it less convenient for tourists from either country to visit each other. With Xinjiang airspace offering a shorter, more direct route, travel between major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou would become much more efficient, benefiting leisure and business travelers alike.

This shorter travel time would not only improve the visitor experience but also make India and China more appealing as tourism destinations for each other’s residents. Indian tourists could easily visit China’s cultural landmarks, such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Terracotta Army, while Chinese tourists could explore India’s heritage sites like Taj Mahal, Varanasi, and Kerala’s backwaters. Tourism exchanges between both countries would benefit greatly from the convenience and cost-efficiency provided by a more direct flight route.

Regional Tourism Growth: Connecting India, China, and Beyond

The Xinjiang airspace request would also have positive tourism implications for the broader Asian region. Air India’s expanded network—facilitated by access to Xinjiang’s airspace—could lead to increased tourist flows not only between India and China but also to other Southeast Asian and Central Asian destinations. Tourism hubs like Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Dubai would benefit from easier connections with India and China, helping to create a more interconnected tourism ecosystem in Asia.

The shorter flight times could make Asia a more accessible destination for travelers from North America and Europe, who might use India or China as key stopover points on their way to other regions. This expanded tourism connectivity would drive cross-border tourism, creating new opportunities for countries to promote multi-destination travel packages and offer seamless travel experiences for international tourists.

Economic Benefits: Increased Tourism Revenue and Job Creation

The economic benefits of improved tourism connectivity go beyond just the travel time reductions. Shorter flights and more convenient access would likely lead to increased tourism revenue for both India and China. With Air India attracting more foreign visitors from Europe, North America, and East Asia, the resulting tourism influx would have a positive impact on India’s hospitality sector, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators.

The tourism industry’s growth would generate more jobs in sectors such as transportation, customer service, and tourism management, benefiting local economies across India and China. Additionally, Indian tourism in China and Chinese tourism in India would encourage the development of new tourism infrastructure, local businesses, and tourism facilities, further strengthening both countries’ tourism economies.

Environmental Considerations: Sustainable Aviation and Tourism Growth

While the benefits of shorter flight times and improved connectivity are clear, sustainability remains a key concern for the aviation industry. As Air India seeks to gain access to Xinjiang airspace, the airline will need to ensure that fuel savings and operational efficiency do not come at the expense of environmental responsibility. By reducing flight times and fuel consumption, Air India can help reduce carbon emissions per passenger, contributing to greener aviation practices and aligning with global sustainability efforts in the aviation sector.

Moreover, tourism growth must also be handled with care to avoid over-tourism and environmental degradation in India’s and China’s most popular tourism destinations. Sustainable tourism practices, such as promoting eco-tourism, heritage conservation, and local culture, will play a significant role in ensuring that the tourism boom driven by improved air connectivity is both economically beneficial and environmentally responsible.

Long-Term Potential: Strengthening India’s Position as a Global Tourism Hub

The request to access Xinjiang airspace is not only about improving flight routes but also about positioning India as a leading tourism hub in Asia and the world. By strengthening ties with China and boosting connectivity, India stands to benefit from increased international tourism, contributing to job creation, economic growth, and cultural exchange. India’s tourism sector will be able to tap into new markets, attracting luxury travelers, adventure seekers, and cultural enthusiasts from across the globe.

Furthermore, China’s growing outbound tourism market will be a key asset for India’s tourism growth. As Chinese tourists look for new cultural experiences and eco-tourism destinations, India is well-positioned to capitalize on its rich heritage, diverse landscapes, and growing wellness tourism sector.

A Strategic Move for Air India’s Growth and Regional Tourism

Access to Xinjiang airspace is a strategic ask on Air India’s part, not only for the airline itself but also for the future of tourism between India and China. By improving flight efficiency and offering direct routes between India and China, this partnership would help unlock new tourism potential for both countries and their neighboring regions.

Increased tourism flow between the two countries due to improved connectivity will facilitate greater bilateral trade, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation for regional tourism growth. The Air India flights would have a shorter flying time and cut fuel costs, hence making it more globally competitive while helping the development of sustainable and high-quality tourism in India and China.