Chinese carriers, including Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern, have launched a campaign of opposition to a US DOT order banning them from Russian airspace.
The ban, responding to Russia’s 2022 airspace closure to US carriers, affects 4,400 Air China passengers and 2,800 China Southern passengers. Avoiding Russian airspace could extend flight times by up to three hours, increasing fuel costs and fares.
United Airlines seeks to include Hong Kong carriers like Cathay Pacific in the ban to close a competitive loophole. The DOT rejected a request for more time to comment, enforcing a two-day response period.
Air China shared: “The DOT’s order is contrary to the public interest and would lead to increased passenger inconvenience for all travellers.”
China Southern Airlines shared: “The order would impact the already underperforming US-China passenger market.”
China Eastern Airlines shared: “The detour to avoid Russian airspace would extend flight times by up to three hours on some of the company’s most important routes.”
Related posts:
Belfast’s two airports’ passenger numbers down 2.6pc in August
Chinese airlines request time to respond to US ban on using Russian airspace
Con McGovern from Drumlish & other characters from Irish history of Pan Am as it prepares to relaunch
Strikes in Italy today by baggage handlers, ground staff, and Volotea airline crews
