Washington DC: The Trump administration has proposed a ban on Chinese airlines flying over Russian airspace on routes to and from the United States.

The move is aimed at addressing a growing competitive imbalance between American and Chinese carriers.

The US Department of Transportation said that allowing Chinese airlines to use Russian airspace gives them a significant advantage by shortening flight times and reducing fuel costs, putting US carriers at a disadvantage. In its proposed order, the department described the current situation as ‘unfair’ and said it has led to substantial adverse effects on American airlines.

“This imbalance has become a significant competitive factor,” the department added, stating that barring Chinese overflights would help level the playing field for US and Chinese carriers.

The proposal could affect flights operated by major Chinese carriers such as Air China, China Eastern, Xiamen Airlines, and China Southern. Chinese airlines have two days to respond to the proposed order, which could come into effect as early as November 2025.

US airlines have long criticized the use of Russian airspace by Chinese carriers. For flights from the East Coast of the US to China, avoiding Russian airspace increases flight times and operating costs, forcing some American carriers to fly with fewer passengers or reduced cargo to manage expenses.

In May 2023, the US approved additional flights by Chinese carriers but required them to avoid Russian airspace. Last year, the Transportation Department allowed Chinese airlines to increase weekly round-trip flights to 50, although further expansions were limited due to pressure from American airlines and unions. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the US and China allowed over 150 weekly round-trip flights each.

Russia has barred US airlines from using its airspace since March 2022, in retaliation for Washington’s ban on Russian carriers following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The ongoing conflict has strained relations between the US and Russia, with diplomatic efforts for peace facing repeated hurdles.

Recent developments, including US officials considering sending long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, have further escalated tensions. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that such a move could bring a ‘whole new level of escalation.’

The proposal also comes at a time when Boeing is negotiating a major aircraft sale to China,

If implemented, the ban on Chinese airlines flying over Russian airspace would reshape transpacific flight routes, affecting travel times and operational costs for both US and Chinese carriers. It also highlights the interconnection of aviation policy with global geopolitics, particularly the ongoing tensions involving the US, China, and Russia.