[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The United States has announced plans to regulate the flights of Chinese airlines to the U.S. This move comes amid growing frustration over China's restrictions on foreign airlines' flights to prevent the external spread of COVID-19.
On the 3rd (local time), the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a statement declaring that, starting from the 16th, passenger flights operated by Chinese airlines will be banned from flying to the United States. The Department noted that this measure could take effect even before the announced date, following President Donald Trump's decision.
The regulation applies to four Chinese airlines with Chinese nationality: Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Hainan Airlines.
The U.S. action is seen as a reciprocal measure in response to the ongoing restrictions on U.S. airlines' flights to China. In January, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the U.S. banned entry of foreigners who had stayed in China within the past two weeks but had not imposed restrictions on Chinese airlines flying to the U.S.
Meanwhile, American airlines such as Delta and United had collectively suspended flights to China but have been seeking to resume operations this month. However, they are facing difficulties as they have not received approval from Chinese authorities.
The U.S. Department of Transportation clarified the intent of this measure in its statement. The Department said, "We will continue to strive to ensure that airlines from both countries can fully exercise their rights," adding, "We will allow Chinese airlines to operate flights at the same scale as soon as Chinese authorities permit our airlines."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
