The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) said on Thursday that it will suspend 26 China-bound flights by four Chinese carriers, Reuters has reported.

File photo taken on Nov 25, 2020 shows travelers wearing face masks lining up for security checks at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, the United States. (Photo: Xinhua)

The DOT said the move is in response to "the Chinese government's decision to suspend some U.S. carrier flights over COVID-19 cases."