Overview

• The Transportation Department says Chinese carriers gain shorter routes and lower costs by flying over Russia while U.S. airlines remain barred, creating a competitive imbalance since 2022.
• Air China, China Eastern, China Southern and Xiamen Airlines could be affected under the proposed order.
• The proposal seeks to restrict overflights via U.S.-issued foreign air carrier permits, and it does not cover cargo-only services.
• Chinese airlines were given two days to respond to the filing, and regulators signaled the restriction could take effect as soon as November.
• U.S. carriers argue direct East Coast–China flights are not economical without Russian overflight rights; in 2023, additional Chinese flights were allowed only if they avoided Russia, and passenger services remain capped near 50 weekly round trips.