Air India has formally requested the Indian government to negotiate with China for access to a strategic military airspace corridor over Xinjiang, aiming to offset soaring operating costs caused by Pakistan’s ongoing airspace closure since late April 2025. This move follows Air India’s struggle with increased fuel expenses—up by 29% on key routes—and lengthy detours, which have made direct flights to the US, Canada, and Europe financially challenging. The appeal, submitted in late October, seeks emergency landing rights at Hotan, Kashgar, and Urumqi airports to restore capacity and reduce annual losses, potentially saving up to $455 million. The request coincides with the recent resumption of India–China direct flights after a five-year hiatus and highlights both operational urgency and the geopolitical sensitivities of overflying Chinese military zones, which are tightly controlled by the PLA’s Western Theater Command.