The U.S. Transportation Department has proposed restricting Chinese airlines from utilizing Russian airspace on routes between America and China, citing an “unfair competitive advantage” granted to Chinese carriers. The department stated that the current arrangement negatively impacts U.S. air carriers, creating significant adverse effects.

Russia imposed restrictions on Western airlines in 2022 following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict, forcing non-Russian carriers to reroute around Russian territory, which increased flight times and costs. In contrast, Chinese airlines have not faced similar limitations. The proposal requires Chinese carriers such as Air China, China Eastern, Xiamen Airlines, and China Southern to respond within two days, with a final decision potentially announced by November.

The measure would apply exclusively to passenger flights, excluding cargo operations. U.S. carriers have expressed concerns that avoiding Russian airspace could make direct flights to China less viable due to higher costs and reduced capacity. Shares of China’s major airlines declined slightly after the report, with Air China and China Southern dropping 1.3% and China Eastern falling 0.9%.

The move occurs amid heightened U.S.-China tensions over trade policies. The Trump administration has threatened new tariffs on China, accusing it of “funding” the Ukraine conflict through energy imports. China rejected these claims as “unacceptable,” asserting its trade with Russia is “legitimate and lawful.” Meanwhile, a Kremlin aide suggested U.S.-Russia air travel could resume by late 2025, as peace efforts continue.