Overview

• The U.S. Department of Transportation last week issued a draft order proposing to bar certain Chinese carriers from transiting Russian airspace on flights to or from the United States, including charter services.
• Air China, China Southern, China Eastern, Sichuan, Hainan, Xiamen and Beijing Capital submitted objections stating the measure contradicts the public interest and would inconvenience passengers.
• China Southern estimated at least 2,800 passengers scheduled between November 1 and December 31 would require rebooking if the restriction is implemented.
• Air China said at least 4,400 ticketed passengers in November and December 2025 would be affected, including during Thanksgiving and Christmas travel periods.
• Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Go Jiakun criticized the potential restriction and urged the United States not to shift costs onto global consumers.