U.S. Moves to Bar Chinese Airlines from Flying Over Russia

The Trump administration on Thursday unveiled a proposal to prohibit Chinese airlines from flying over Russia on routes to and from the United States, citing competitive disadvantages for American carriers.

For years, U.S. airlines have complained that Chinese carriers benefit from shorter flight times and reduced fuel costs by flying through Russian airspace, while American airlines have been barred from doing so. Russia closed its skies to U.S. and other Western carriers in March 2022, after Washington banned Russian flights over the United States in response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) said in its proposed order that “this imbalance has become a significant competitive factor,” adding that the ban is intended “to level this competitive disparity among U.S. and Chinese air carriers.”

Impact on Chinese Airlines

The decision could affect flights operated by Air China, China Eastern, Xiamen Airlines, and China Southern, which currently use Russian routes to cut travel time and costs. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately comment on the proposal.

Rising U.S.-China Tensions

The move comes amid growing economic tensions between Washington and Beijing, spanning trade, technology, and aviation. In May 2023, the U.S. approved additional flights by Chinese carriers only after they agreed not to use Russian airspace for new routes. Before the pandemic and subsequent restrictions, each side operated more than 150 weekly round-trip flights, though that number has since been drastically reduced.

Next Steps

USDOT has given Chinese carriers two days to respond to the proposed order. If finalized, the ban could take effect as soon as November 2025. Analysts note that the measure could further strain U.S.-China relations, while also reshaping trans-Pacific aviation routes.