Overview

• Transportation officials unveiled a proposed order on Thursday that would bar Chinese airlines from routing U.S.–China flights over Russia.
• Chinese carriers have two days to respond, and the department said a final order could take effect as soon as November.
• The proposal could affect Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and Xiamen Airlines operating passenger services to the United States.
• U.S. airlines cannot use Russian airspace after reciprocal bans dating to March 2022, a restriction that lengthens routes and raises costs for American carriers.
• In 2023 regulators allowed more Chinese flights only if new services avoided Russia, and current authorizations cap Chinese round trips at 50 per week versus more than 150 before early 2020.