Ban on Chinese Airlines The US Department of Transportation is preparing to ban Chinese airlines from using Russian airspace to transport passengers to the US. Three officials of President Joe Biden’s administration have given this information to the New York Times.
National security team got order
An order was reportedly given to the National Security team and others last Monday. The order required Chinese companies to comply with the same restrictions faced by US airline companies.
US airlines companies lobbying
According to the Airlines for America industry trade group, this view of the US government is the result of lobbying by US airlines. US airline companies are losing up to $2 billion in market share annually to foreign companies, according to the trade group, because companies from other countries are no longer restricted from Russian territory. The group has requested that the Biden administration take action to ensure that international carriers passing through Russia do not land at US airports.
Companies like China Eastern and Air India benefit
Companies such as China Eastern, Emirates and Air India have not made any losses after the Ukraine war and these airlines have seen an increase in revenue. This is because they can go into Russian territory and take the shortest route.
On the other hand, planes of American airlines have to fly more circuitous routes required to observe no-go zones. At the same time, these aircraft also have to land at many places for refueling and operate long distance flights with dozens of empty seats.
US companies engaged in persuading passengers
According to Russia Today, US airlines are trying to persuade travelers who object to spending more money that flying over Russia is really risky. The lobbying group cites the 2014 crash of MH17 in Ukraine as an example.
