March 19, 2023
2 mins read

US mulls ban on Chinese airlines using Russian airspace

The idea is the result of lobbying by US airlines, who lose up to $2 billion in market share yearly to foreign rivals who are not restricted from overflying Russian territory…reports Asian Lite News

The US Transportation Department is proposing a ban on Chinese airlines’ use of Russian airspace to fly passengers to the US, three officials from the administration of President Joe Biden told New York Times, reported Russia Today.

The national security team and others were reportedly given an order last Monday requiring Chinese rivals to adhere to the same restrictions faced by US carriers.
The idea is the result of lobbying by US airlines, who lose up to $2 billion in market share yearly to foreign rivals who are not restricted from overflying Russian territory, according to industry trade group Airlines for America.

The group has requested that the Biden administration “take action to ensure that international carriers overflying Russia do not depart, land, or transit through US airports,” according to a spokeswoman for the organisation.

Airlines with home nations that are not involved in the conflict in Ukraine, such as China Eastern, Emirates, and Air India, have seen a spike in revenue because they can fly the shortest route without having to go around Russia’s extensive territory.

American carriers, on the other hand, have had to conduct long-haul flights with dozens of vacant seats in the aim of making the jet light enough to avoid refuelling on the more circuitous routes required to circumvent no-go zones, according to airline sources quoted by Russia Today.

US carriers were forced to abandon plans to provide direct services to more than a dozen hotspots like Tokyo, Seoul, and Mumbai in favour of competitors after being denied access to the most direct routes to Asia.

According to Russia Today, Airlines for America has made an effort to persuade passengers who object to forking over the extra cash and time in the air that flying over Russia is genuinely risky. The lobbying group cites the downing of MH17 in Ukraine in 2014 and Brittney Griner’s arrest in a Moscow airport last year as examples.

Foreigners caught with illegal drugs face significantly harsher penalties in many supposedly “safe” nations, including execution by firing squad.

The Dutch team, meanwhile tasked with proving Russia’s involvement in the MH17 catastrophe terminated its probe last month after failing to turn up any solid proof.

The jet was allegedly shot down by a BUK missile developed in Russia, according to a court in the same nation last year, which said there was “no possibility for reasonable doubt whatsoever.”

Following Washington’s own ban on Russian aircraft flying over American territory, Moscow blocked its airspace to US airlines in March of last year, Russia Today reported. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Ratan Tata appointed to ‘Order of Australia’

Previous Story

India to add 9 to 11 mn gig workforce jobs by 2025

Next Story

Afghan journalism in peril under Taliban rule

Latest from -Top News

Musk Goes Political

Billionaire tech mogul launches ‘America Party’ to challenge Washington’s status quo…reports Asian Lite News In a sensational twist to the Trump-Musk fallout saga, the Tesla CEO launched his own “America Party”. Musk

UAE Takes Part in 3rd BRICS Sherpa Meeting

For the UAE, BRICS provides a valuable platform for dialogue and policy coordination across regions….reports Asian Lite News Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs and the UAE’s

7/7 London & 12/3 Bombay – Tale of Two Cities

The 7/7 bombings changed London forever. The Victorian-era Tube system still struggles with outages and emergencies. A minor fire or power failure still sends people scrambling in fear.  I saw the same

Khamenei Breaks Cover in Tehran

Iran’s Supreme Leader makes first public appearance since conflict with Israel, as mystery over his wartime absence continues. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first public appearance on Saturday since
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Indian-American Raja Krishnamoorthi Contemplates Senate Bid

Apart from Krishnamoorthi, several other politicians have their eyes on

14 killed, 5 missing in China mountain collapse

A rescue team of more than 180 people are still