The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that it will suspend Chinese passenger operations to and from the U.S.

Key points:

  • The order takes effect June 16, 2020 unless President Trump orders it to take effect sooner. The order may be amended, modified or revoked at any time.
  • The order suspends scheduled passenger flights between the U.S. and China of all Chinese (PRC) airlines, including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines.

Background: The Department of Transportation cites actions by the PRC government that have impaired U.S. airlines from operating fully to and from China and concludes that it is in the U.S. public interest to order the suspensions.

BAL Analysis: The order may have a limited impact, given that the entry of foreign nationals who have been physically present for a 14-day period in China remains indefinitely restricted under a presidential proclamation that took effect Feb. 2.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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