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Chinese carriers oppose proposed ban of Mainland flights to U.S. if they fly over Russia
October 16th 2025
Major airlines from China called on the U.S. government to abandon plans to bar them from flying over Russia en route to their U.S. destinations. Read More » China Eastern Airlines said implementing the ban could extend flight times on some of its most important routes by two to three hours, significantly increasing the risks of missed connections and increasing fuel consumption. Air China and China Southern Airlines said the decision will negatively affect a large number of passengers in the U.S. and China. U.S. based United Airlines welcomed the initiative and urged its government to extend the ban to Cathay Pacific. Russia barred U.S. airlines and carriers from many other countries from overflying its airspace after it invaded Ukraine. As a consequence, U.S. airlines flying to and from China must take longer routings, extending flying time and increasing fuel expenditure. U.S. carriers 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.
