US Airlines Oppose Air China's Request for More Flights, Citing Russian Airspace Dispute

A prominent trade group representing major US carriers has voiced its opposition to a request by Air China to schedule additional flights to the United States. The group, Airlines for America, argues that approving the flights would deepen a competitive imbalance stemming from access to Russian airspace.

The Core Objection

In a filing released Friday, Airlines for America contested Air China's bid to add flights from Beijing to New York and Washington. The request was reportedly made in connection with a planned meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, according to Reuters.

The US airline group, which includes American Airlines (AAL), Delta Air Lines (DAL), and United Airlines (UAL), is concerned that approving these as regular scheduled flights could set a precedent. They contend the flights should instead be classified as one-off charter services to avoid impacting future route negotiations.

Russian Airspace Creates Uneven Playing Field

The central issue is the ongoing ban preventing US airlines from flying over Russia. This ban was imposed by Moscow in March 2022 in retaliation for US sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine. Chinese carriers, however, are not subject to this ban.

Ad

This access gives Chinese airlines a significant operational and economic advantage on routes between the US and China. According to the filing, Chinese carriers benefit from "shorter, less costly, and more economical routings." The ability to fly over Russia reduces flight times, lowers fuel consumption, and decreases overall operating costs, putting US carriers at a distinct disadvantage.

Regulatory Background

This dispute highlights a long-standing point of contention. In October 2025, the US Transportation Department (USDOT) proposed a rule to ban Chinese airlines from using Russian airspace on routes to and from the United States to level the playing field. However, the proposal was reportedly shelved amid opposition from other government agencies and ahead of trade discussions with China.

As of Friday, neither the USDOT nor a US-based lawyer for Air China had provided immediate comment on the matter, Reuters reported.