The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has criticized the United States’ move to stop 44 China-bound flights by four Chinese carriers from the US.
The suspension will begin in late January and last until March 31, 2022.
Chinese officials, according to media reports, condemned the decision on January 24, 2022, calling it foolish and overbearing.
The latest US decision, however, comes after the Chinese Civil Aviation Authority canceled scores of passenger planes arriving from the United States.
China has halted 44 inbound flights operated by three American airlines: American Airlines (A1G) (AAL), Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, since the beginning of January 2022. The cancellations were made as a precautionary measure after passengers tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival in China.
The US Transportation Department said on January 21, 2022 that 44 flights from China will be suspended, affecting China Eastern Airlines (CIAH) (CEA), China Southern Airlines (ZNH), Air China, and Xiamen Airlines.