U.S. Airlines and Unions Call for a Halt on More China Flights Over Competition Concerns

In a significant development, major U.S. airlines and their unions have formally requested the Biden administration to pause the approval of additional passenger flights to China. This move, articulated through a stern letter dated Thursday, highlights the ongoing disputes over what the U.S. aviation industry perceives as "anti-competitive policies" by the Chinese government.

The call to action from groups such as Airlines for America—which includes major carriers like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines—alongside key aviation unions, points to a growing tension in international aviation relations. The contention centers on the perceived advantage Chinese airlines have by continuing to access Russian airspace, a route U.S. carriers have avoided since the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.

This request surfaces as the U.S. Transportation Department contemplates a significant increase in the number of flights operated by Chinese carriers to the U.S. From the current 35 weekly round-trips, there is a proposal to potentially double this figure to 70. Such an increase is part of a broader strategy to restore air travel to pre-pandemic levels, which included over 150 weekly flights between the two nations.

The backdrop of these discussions is the broader geopolitical landscape, where air travel between China and the U.S. had previously seen constraints during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, aviation has emerged as a field of cooperation between the two superpowers. However, the rapid expansion plans have stirred anxieties among U.S. carriers about maintaining a level playing field.

The letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg argues for a suspension of additional flights until "U.S. workers and businesses are guaranteed equality of access in the marketplace, free from existing harmful anti-competitive policies."

Moreover, the issue has captured legislative attention as well, with prominent lawmakers urging a cautious approach towards expanding air travel agreements with China until there is adherence to bilateral agreements and a recovery in passenger demand.

As the administration weighs these considerations, the decision will likely resonate beyond the aviation sector, touching on broader themes of international trade, diplomacy, and the strategic competition between the U.S. and China. This development marks a crucial juncture for U.S. aviation policy, where the balance between competitive equity and international cooperation will be pivotal.