China’s largest state-owned airlines have pushed back on a US plan to bar them from flying over Russia when traveling to or from US destinations. Six Chinese airlines have filed a complaint with the US Department Of Transportation (DOT), alleging that the proposed ban would increase ticket costs and inconvenience travelers from both countries.
Last week, the US said it plans to ban Russian overflights by Chinese carrier to prevent them gaining an unfair cost advantage over American carriers, which are barred from Russian airspace. Unsurprisingly, the US airlines have come out in support of the ban, saying that it is important to level the playing field. United Airlines has even suggested that the ban should be broadened to include Hong Kong-based carrier, Cathay Pacific .