Read more at The Washington Post
In a move likely to inflame tensions between the United States and China, the Trump administration said Wednesday it will ban all commercial passenger flights by Chinese carriers.
The change, announced by the Department of Transportation and beginning June 16, is in response to China’s refusal to allow U.S. carriers to resume service to China.
The rule would impact operations of seven carriers, including Air China and China Eastern Airlines. The department noted in its rule filing that the ban could take effect sooner at President Trump’s discretion.
U.S. airlines halted flights to China after the Trump administration citing concerns about the spread of the novel-coronavirus, imposed a travel ban that took effect in early February. Delta and United had hoped to resume service in early June, but rules imposed by Chinese authorities effectively prevented them from doing so.