The US government floated the prospect of banning Chinese airlines which overfly Russia on flights to and from the United States.
The Trump Administration says this gives them an unfair advantage over US airline rivals.
As part of sanctions US airlines and those in Europe among others, are banned from entering Russian airspace.
This puts them at a disadvantage as it adds flying time and fuel costs.
“This imbalance has become a significant competitive factor,” the Transportation Department said.
DOT is proposing a ban on Chinese flights to the US that overfly Russia ‘to level this competitive disparity among US and Chinese air carriers’
This could affect some US flights to the US east coast and midwest by Air China, China Eastern Airlines, Xiamen Airlines and China Southern.
The DOT has given Chinese airlines two days to respond to the order.
It said a final decision could become effective next month.
US airlines have long complained of the cost advantage for Chinese and other airlines which are not compelled to avoid Russian airspace.
