American carriers face an “unfair” disadvantage as Russian airspace remains closed to them while open to Chinese companies, according to a report. The US Transportation Department has proposed banning Chinese airlines from using Russian airspace on routes between the United States and China, citing competitive imbalances. The department stated that allowing Chinese carriers access to Russian airspace creates “substantial adverse competitive effects” on US air carriers.
Russia restricted Western airlines from its airspace in 2022 following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict, forcing non-Russian carriers to take longer, more costly routes. In contrast, China has not faced similar restrictions. The proposal reportedly requires Chinese airlines—Air China, China Eastern, Xiamen Airlines, and China Southern—to respond within two days, with a final decision expected by November. The measure would target passenger flights but exclude cargo operations.
The US move comes amid heightened tensions over Trump’s trade policies, including threats of new tariffs on China due to its energy imports from Russia. China has rejected accusations of funding the Ukraine conflict, calling its trade with Moscow “legitimate and lawful.” Meanwhile, Russian officials have indicated that US-Russia air travel could resume by late 2025 as part of broader peace discussions.
