The US wants to ban Chinese aircraft from flying over Russia. Beijing responds with criticism

The largest Chinese airlines have called on Donald Trump's administration to abandon its plan to ban them from flying over Russia on routes to the US. They argue that the ban would add two to three hours to flight times, increase ticket prices, and jeopardize some connections.

The US Department of Transportation defends the proposal, arguing that flights over Russia give Chinese airlines an advantage over American airlines, which have to avoid these areas.

China Eastern warned that the restriction could lead to delays, higher fuel consumption, and disruptions to transfers on important routes.

(reuters, mja)