Overview

• DOT opened a two‑day comment period and said a final order could take effect as soon as November, with filings indicating a 30‑day implementation window after issuance.
• The proposal applies to passenger and combination services operated under U.S. foreign air carrier permits and excludes cargo‑only flights.
• The order names Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Xiamen Airlines, Beijing Capital Airlines, Hainan Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines, and does not include Hong Kong‑based Cathay Pacific.
• DOT cites Article 2(4) of the 1980 U.S.–China Civil Air Transport Agreement, which requires third‑country routes to be available to airlines of both sides unless otherwise agreed.
• China’s Foreign Ministry criticized the plan as harmful to travel, while U.S. airline trade group Airlines for America welcomed the move as leveling competition.