US Targets Chinese Airlines' Use of Russian Airspace

The US Department of Transportation has proposed banning Chinese airlines from flying over Russian airspace on China-US routes, citing unfair competitive advantages. Carriers like Air China and China Eastern benefit from shorter, cheaper routes, while US airlines face higher costs due to sanctions. The measure, part of the US-China Civil Air Transport Agreement, currently affects passenger aircraft with belly cargo, not freighters—though that could change. The move follows China’s recent easing of Boeing delivery restrictions amid ongoing trade tensions. As global airspace remains volatile, the proposal could further strain US air cargo supply chains and international aviation relations.