WASHINGTON, D.C: This week, the Trump administration proposed banning Chinese airlines from flying through Russian airspace on routes to and from the United States, arguing that the practice gives them an unfair competitive advantage over American carriers.

U.S. airlines have long criticized the decision to let Chinese carriers continue using Russian airspace, saying it allows shorter flight times and lower fuel consumption -- reducing costs and putting American competitors at a disadvantage.

In its proposed order, the U.S. Transportation Department said the imbalance "has become a significant competitive factor" and that the ban aims "to level this competitive disparity amongst U.S. and Chinese air carriers." The department added that the current situation "has resulted in substantial adverse competitive effects on U.S. air carriers."

The Chinese embassy in Washington and Airlines for America, the primary industry group representing American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Russia barred U.S. and many other Western airlines from its airspace in March 2022, after Washington banned Russian flights over the United States in response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

The proposed rule could affect flights operated by Air China, China Eastern, Xiamen Airlines, and China Southern. It also comes amid renewed economic tensions between Washington and Beijing.

The move coincides with reports that Boeing is in talks to sell up to 500 jets to Chinese airlines -- a potential breakthrough in the world's second-largest aviation market after years of stalled orders due to trade frictions. U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet in South Korea at the end of October, a sign that broader negotiations may be underway.

Chinese carriers have been given two days to respond to the Transportation Department's proposal, and a final order could take effect as soon as November.

In May 2023, the United States allowed additional Chinese flights only after those carriers agreed to avoid Russian airspace, according to Reuters. Last year, U.S. regulators permitted Chinese airlines to operate up to 50 weekly round-trip passenger flights to the United States -- far fewer than the more than 150 allowed before early 2020, when COVID-19 travel restrictions were imposed.

Some American airlines have told the administration that nonstop flights from the U.S. East Coast to China are no longer economically viable without access to Russian airspace. They cite longer flight times, higher fuel costs, and the need to limit passenger and cargo loads.

Trump administration targets Chinese airlines' use of Russian airspace