Ban Would Prevent Chinese Airlines from Entering Russian Airspace on US-Bound Flights

Three years after Russia blocked Western airlines from using its airspace, the US Department of Transportation is aiming to level the playing field by proposing a ban that would impose the same restrictions on Chinese carriers. The Chinese government is arguing that this would be a lose-lose situation, extending travel times and jeopardizing a large Boeing deal.

Moscow shut its airspace to US and other Western airlines during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to get payback for sanctions, adding hours of flight time and millions in annual fuel costs to operators. Chinese airlines, untouched by the sanctions, continued to fly over Siberia and reap the benefits. The DOT’s new proposal aims to end that imbalance.

The order would apply to major Chinese carriers, like Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and Xiamen Airlines, while exempting cargo operations. Affected airlines were reportedly given just two days to respond before the rule went public, with implementation possible as early as November.

China’s Foreign Ministry criticized the move: “We would suggest that the US side reflect on how its own policies are affecting American companies, rather than unjustifiably suppressing other countries and making global consumers pay the price.” The response also hinted that the rule could threaten a pending deal between Chinese carriers and Boeing, which contains an order for roughly 500 aircraft that would mark the company’s first major sale in China since 2017.

US officials, meanwhile, say the rule is about fairness. Airlines for America has lobbied for the change since 2022, arguing that the current system distorts competition and inflates ticket prices.

The proposal adds another point of tension to US-China relations, which have already been strained amid ongoing trade disputes and technology restrictions. It also leaves Chinese airlines with a tough choice on their plates: bind: either fly the longer route and match US flight times, or lose access to the American market altogether.

FMI: www.dot.gov