Chinese Airlines Push Back Against US Plan to Ban Flights Over Russia
Six major Chinese airlines have formally opposed a US Department of Transportation (DOT) proposal prohibiting them from flying through Russian airspace on routes to and from the United States. Still under review, the move aims to address what U.S. officials call a “competitive imbalance” between U.S. and Chinese carriers.
The proposed restriction follows growing complaints from US airlines, which have been barred from Russian airspace since 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine. Chinese carriers, however, have continued to operate through the area, allowing them to complete flights up to three hours faster and at lower fuel costs. American carriers argue that this advantage makes their Chinese competitors more attractive to passengers seeking shorter and cheaper routes.
In formal filings to the DOT, Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and other carriers urged the US to drop the plan, warning it would lead to longer flight times, higher operational costs, and widespread disruptions, especially during peak travel seasons. China’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the proposal, calling it “punitive” and warning it could harm business and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Industry observers note that the ban would deepen tensions in US–China aviation relations, already strained by capacity limits and reciprocal flight permissions that have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. Some analysts suggest the move could prompt retaliatory measures from Beijing, potentially complicating efforts to expand trans-Pacific air travel.
As of October 20, 2025, the DOT is still collecting public comments on the proposal and has not set a final decision date. If enacted, the ban could take effect as early as November 2025, reshaping competitive dynamics across the trans-Pacific market.
