U.S. scraps plans to ban Chinese airlines, limits flights to two a week

The Trump administration is reversing a decision to allow Chinese passenger airlines operate two weekly flights to the United States, backing down from a threat to ban all the flights.

The move came one day after China opened the door to U.S. carriers United Airlines and Delta Air Lines resuming one flight per week each into the country. CNBC reported that the two U.S. companies have been eager to resume China service, which they suspended earlier this year due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

A Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental airplane to be delivered to Air China is moved into position from Boeing's assembly facility to Paine Field in Everett, Wash. [File Photo: AP/Ted S. Warren]

The U.S. Department of Transportation said to CNBC that the new measure was needed "to restore a competitive balance and fair and equal opportunity among U.S. and Chinese air carriers in the scheduled passenger service marketplace," while a Delta spokesperson said the company supports and appreciates the U.S. government efforts to ensure fairness and access to China. United Airlines said they are reviewing the Department of Transportation's order.

Based on the premise that the risks related to COVID-19 are controllable, China's civil aviation regulator announced on Thursday to allow more foreign carriers to operate flights into the country.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said in a statement that foreign airlines currently unable to operate routes to China can choose one city in the country from which to run international flights once per week starting June 8. In a bid to curb imported coronavirus cases, the CAAC also said that flight incentives and "circuit-breaker" measures will be implemented starting Monday.