Overview

• Six mainland Chinese carriers, including Air China, China Eastern and China Southern, filed objections to the U.S. Transportation Department’s proposal unveiled last week.
• China Eastern warned reroutes would add two to three hours to key flights and raise fuel costs, while China Southern estimated about 2,800 rebookings and Air China projected at least 4,400 passengers affected during the late‑year peak.
• China’s foreign ministry criticized the plan as harmful to people‑to‑people travel, arguing it would inconvenience passengers in both countries.
• U.S. industry group Airlines for America backed the effort to restore competitive balance, as filings pressed for capacity parity and debated whether carriers based in Hong Kong, such as Cathay Pacific, should be included.
• DOT cited Article 2(4) of the U.S.–China air services agreement in its tentative order, set a two‑business‑day comment window, and indicated any final rule would take effect about 30 days after issuance.