US Rejects Chinese Airlines’ Request for Additional Flights

US Rejects Chinese Airlines’ Request for Additional Flights
Passengers wear protective face masks at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on an unusually empty Memorial Day weekend during the COVID-19 pandemic in Los Angeles, Calif., on May 23, 2020. Patrick T. Fallon/Reuters
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WASHINGTON—The United States on Friday rejected a request by Chinese airlines for additional weekly flights between the two countries, but said the decision was not meant to escalate tensions over travel restrictions.

In a statement, the U.S. Department of Transportation said the decision was made to “maintain the parity” in scheduled passenger services between the two countries, adding it was willing to review the decision if Chinese aviation authorities adjusted their policies affecting U.S. carriers.