The Trump administration has initiated measures to restrict Chinese air carriers' access to Russian airspace on routes to and from the country. Reuters reported this on Thursday, October 9, citing a draft order from the US Department of Transportation.

Since 2022, after Russian airspace was closed to American and several other foreign airlines in response to similar restrictions imposed by Washington, Chinese carriers have retained the right to use these routes. As a result, American flights have become longer, leading to increased fuel costs and flight times. Representatives of the Ministry of Transport noted that this practice creates a "competitive imbalance" between American and Chinese companies.

"This will level the playing field between American and Chinese carriers.",” the draft document states, which provides a two-day period for a response from Chinese airlines.

American operators have previously complained that they are being forced to reduce aircraft load factors and delay the launch of new routes, including flights to Mumbai, India, Tokyo, Japan, and Seoul, South Korea, and that direct flights from the US East Coast to China have become unprofitable.