Chinese Airlines Push Back Against US Over Russia Flight Ban. Major Chinese airlines are urging the Trump administration to scrap a plan that would block them from flying over Russian airspace on U.S. routes. The U.S. Transportation Department says the restriction would level the playing field for American carriers, which have been barred from Russian airspace since 2022. But Chinese airlines warn the move would backfire. China Eastern said the ban could add up to three hours to flight times, increase costs, and cause missed connections. Air China and China Southern also warned of serious disruptions for thousands of travelers during the upcoming holiday season. Meanwhile, United Airlines has asked Washington to apply the same ban to Cathay Pacific, which currently flies over Russia from Hong Kong. The dispute stems from Moscow's decision to block U.S. airlines in retaliation for flight bans after the invasion of Ukraine — a move that has given Chinese carriers a competitive edge. [Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT]