News
U.S. could prohibit China’s airlines from flying to the U.S. via Russian airspace
October 13th 2025
The U.S. government is considering a proposal to ban Mainland airlines operating from China to the U.S. if they fly through Russia’s airspace. Read More » Market watchers are interpreting the announcement as an escalation of trade tensions between the two countries. Russia banned U.S. airlines and carriers from many other countries from overflying its airspace after its invasion of Ukraine. As a consequence, U.S. airlines flying to and from China must take longer flight routings extending flying time and increasing fuel costs. U.S. airlines argue the ban benefits Mainland airlines because they can use Russian airspace, reducing flying time and costs. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) sides with its airlines. It described the situation as "unfair" resulting in "substantial adverse competitive effects" on U.S. carriers. While only a proposal to date, the DoT said the ban could come into effect as soon as November.
