"Unfair Competition" U.S. Moves to Ban Chinese Airlines from Flying Over Russian Airspace

Advantages in Flight Time and Cost Efficiency

Reuters reported on October 9 (local time) that the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump is pursuing a plan to ban Chinese airlines operating flights to and from the United States from flying over Russian airspace.

According to the report, the U.S. Department of Transportation proposed this ban, stating that it is necessary to address the unbalanced competitive factors between U.S. and Chinese airlines. The Department of Transportation has requested that Chinese airlines respond to the order within two days, and the final order is expected to take effect as early as November.

The Department of Transportation stated, "This imbalance serves as a significant competitive factor," adding, "The current situation is causing substantial and serious negative competitive effects for U.S. airlines."

After Russia invaded Ukraine, the United States banned Russian airlines from flying over U.S. airspace in March 2022. In response, Russia also banned U.S. airlines from flying over Russian airspace.

U.S. airlines have complained that, as a result, Chinese airlines have been able to fly to the United States via Russian airspace, allowing them to shorten flight times and consume less fuel, thereby gaining a competitive advantage.

The report added that this measure could affect several Chinese airlines, including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, and China Southern Airlines.