The Trump administration on Thursday proposed banning Chinese airlines from flying over Russia on flights to and from the United States, saying the practice puts American carriers at a disadvantage.
US airlines have long criticised the decision to allow Chinese carriers to fly over Russia on some flights because it gives them the advantage of decreased flying time and lower fuel consumption.
The US Transportation Department said on Thursday in its proposed order “this imbalance has become a significant competitive factor”.
USDOT said it was proposing to bar Chinese overflights “to level this competitive disparity amongst US and Chinese air carriers”.
The Chinese embassy in Washington did not have an immediate comment.
