Major Chinese state-owned airlines have strongly opposed a U.S. proposal to prohibit them from flying over Russian airspace on routes to and from the United States. The U.S. argues that this restriction would level the playing field, as American carriers are barred from Russian airspace due to sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern are among six carriers that have filed formal complaints against the proposed ban, warning of significant disruptions to travelers and increased costs. China Eastern emphasized that the ban would harm public interest and inconvenience passengers, leading to longer flight times, higher fuel consumption, and elevated airfares. China Southern highlighted the potential impact on thousands of travelers, while Air China estimated that over 4,400 passengers could be affected during the upcoming holiday season. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also criticized the proposal, labeling it as punitive to global passengers. Aviation expert David Yu noted that U.S. carriers face increased costs due to longer flight paths, while Chinese airlines benefit from cost savings by using Russian airspace. Despite these advantages, Chinese carriers have faced financial challenges, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Department of Transportation defended the proposal, citing ‘competitive imbalances’ caused by Chinese airlines’ access to more efficient routes. European carriers, including Air France-KLM, have also expressed concerns, while United Airlines urged that Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship carrier, be excluded from the ban.