An airplane of Air China (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)
China Eastern Airlines, one of six airlines that sent letters to the US Department of Transportation, said the US measure could extend flight duration on several major routes by two to three hours, significantly increase risks of missed connections and fuel costs.

Air China and China Southern said the plan would affect the travel demand of thousands of passengers from both countries, especially during the peak season from early November to late December.

Chinese airlines reacted to President Donald Trump’s October 9 proposed ban, which said the reduced flight time puts American carriers at a disadvantage.