Trump Administration targets Chinese airlines’ advantage on Russia flight routes

The Trump administration has proposed barring Chinese airlines from flying through Russian airspace on routes to and from the United States, seeking to eliminate what it calls an “unfair” advantage over U.S. carriers. Since Washington banned Russian aircraft from U.S. airspace in 2022—and Moscow retaliated—American airlines have had to take longer, more expensive routes, while Chinese carriers continue using shorter paths over Russia.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said the imbalance has caused “substantial adverse competitive effects” and proposed amending foreign air carrier permits to enforce the restriction, excluding cargo flights. Chinese airlines have two days to respond, and the rule could take effect as early as November.

Beijing condemned the proposal, warning it would harm travel and communication between the two countries. The move comes amid rising U.S.–China tensions, including China’s new export limits on rare earth materials and reports that Boeing may sell up to 500 jets to China, signalling potential shifts in the aviation landscape.