U.S. proposes ban on Chinese airlines flying over Russia on U.S. routes

The Trump administration on Thursday proposed banning Chinese airlines from flying over Russian airspace on routes to and from the United States, citing unfair competition.

American carriers have long criticized the practice, pointing out that Chinese airlines benefit from shorter flight times and reduced fuel costs by flying over Russia — a route that has been off-limits to U.S. airlines since the war in Ukraine began in 2022.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said the disparity creates a significant competitive disadvantage.