U.S. Proposes Ban on Chinese Airlines Using Russian Airspace for U.S. Routes

By Orlin Milinov

In a move that could intensify the ongoing trade war between the world’s two largest economies, the Trump administration on Thursday proposed banning Chinese airlines from flying over Russia on routes to and from the United States. Officials argue that the current arrangement gives Chinese carriers an unfair advantage by reducing flight time and fuel consumption compared to U.S. airlines.

The U.S. Transportation Department said in a statement that allowing Chinese airlines to continue using Russian airspace has created “substantial adverse competitive effects” for American carriers, many of which remain barred from flying over Russia since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Russian authorities have prohibited U.S. and several other foreign airlines from accessing their airspace in retaliation for Washington’s ban on Russian flights. However, Chinese carriers were exempted, allowing them to maintain shorter and more cost-efficient routes.

If finalized, the proposed restriction would apply to U.S.-issued foreign air carrier permits, though cargo-only flights would remain unaffected. The measure could impact major Chinese airlines, including Air China, China Eastern, Xiamen Airlines, and China Southern.

Hong Kong–based Cathay Pacific, which still flies over Russia on routes such as New York to Hong Kong, was not mentioned in the proposed order. The airline did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China’s aviation authority and the Chinese embassy in Washington also declined to comment, while the Airlines for America trade group—representing U.S. carriers including American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines—has long criticized the “uneven playing field” caused by Russia’s selective overflight permissions.

Chinese airline stocks dipped slightly in response to the news. Air China dropped 1.3%, China Southern 1.8%, and China Eastern 0.3% by midday trading Friday. The state-owned carriers have posted five consecutive years of losses since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Growing Trade Tensions

The announcement comes amid renewed strain between Washington and Beijing over trade, technology, and defense issues. The proposed ban follows China’s recent tightening of export controls on rare earth materials vital to U.S. industries.

Meanwhile, Boeing is in advanced talks to sell up to 500 jets to China, a deal that could mark a major breakthrough for the U.S. aircraft maker in a market that has been largely frozen amid escalating trade disputes.

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet later this month in South Korea for talks that could shape the next phase of the economic standoff.

The Transportation Department has given Chinese airlines two days to respond to the proposal, with a final decision possibly taking effect as early as November.

In May 2023, the U.S. approved additional flights by Chinese carriers on the condition they avoid Russian airspace, but no further expansion followed amid domestic pushback. Prior to pandemic-era restrictions, each side allowed more than 150 weekly round-trip passenger flights.

Some U.S. carriers have complained that direct East Coast flights to China are now commercially unviable without access to Russian airspace, forcing them to cut cargo and leave seats empty to manage longer routes.