Trump administration’s D.O.T. plans to block numerous Chinese operated passenger flights from flying into the U.S. from China beginning June16. At JFK alone, there can be daily flights from Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan, Sichuan, Xiamen and Beijing Capital Airlines which are on the no-fly list.
The decision was in response to China’s failure to let American, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines resume flights to China this month. The airlines suspended those flights earlier this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic that started in China’s Wuhan province. The inequality of number of passenger flights allowed by each country is the main issue,
Executive Director of Operations at JFK Terminal One Steve Rowland commented, “Terminal One, being a completely international terminal of foreign flag carriers, enjoys an equitable relationship with several Chinese Carriers who handle both passengers and cargo. In hope of continuing a mutually beneficial relationship, we hope that both governments work out a fair and reasonable resolution. “
Apparently this not include the numerous Chinese airline passenger aircraft cargo only flights carrying PPE and medical supplies to the U.S.
The U.S. DOT said that China was violating an agreement between the two countries covering flights by each other’s airlines. This action responds to the failure of the Government of the People’s Republic of China to permit U.S. carriers to exercise their bilateral rights to conduct passenger air service to China. Currently, seven Chinese carriers and no U.S. carriers operate scheduled passenger flights between the United States and China. U.S. carriers have asked to resume passenger service, beginning June 1st. The Chinese government’s failure to approve their requests is a violation of our Air Transport Agreement.
“The Department will continue to engage our Chinese counterparts so both U.S. and Chinese carriers can fully exercise their bilateral rights,” the agency said in a statement. “In the meantime, we will allow Chinese carriers to operate the same number of scheduled passenger flights as the Chinese government allows ours.” It added,
“Our overriding goal is not the perpetuation of this situation, but rather an improved environment
wherein the carriers of both parties will be able to exercise fully their bilateral rights. Should the Civil Aviation Authority of China
(CAAC) adjust its policies to bring about the necessary improved situation for U.S. carriers, the
Department is fully prepared to revisit the action it has announced in this order.”
