Chinese airlines are pushing back against the US in a unfair competition row regarding overflying Russia airspace.
The US is proposing to possibly ban or restrict Chinese airlines flying direct to the US as they don’t have to avoid Russian airspace.
The US says this gives them an unfair advantage as US and other airlines have to reroute to avoid Russia due to sanctions.
US airlines says this adds costs to every flight in more time and fuel usage.
US carriers have been banned from Russian airspace since 2022 after Russia ed Ukraine.
US airlines lobbied the Department of Transportation to ban Chinese airlines from using Russian airspace.
Now, six Chinese carriers have filed their response.
China Eastern said any ban “harms the public interest.”
The airline says it would disrupt about 4,400 passengers over the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
The DOT has opened public comments and will assess them before making a final ruling.
“Being able to use the most efficient route provides a competitive advantage because it usually results in the shortest flight time duration, thereby offering a more appealing option,” the DOT said.
