Why did nations at the 1944 Chicago Conference resist the "five freedoms of the air"?

The resistance to the "five freedoms of the air" at the 1944 Chicago Conference primarily stemmed from the fear of U.S. market dominance. The five freedoms, which allow for various levels of international air traffic and services, would have greatly benefited U.S. airlines, as the United States had a significant technological and operational advantage in aviation at that time. Many nations were concerned that granting these freedoms would lead to the establishment of an American monopoly over international air routes, which could potentially undermine their own national airlines and sovereignty in aviation matters.

This apprehension was rooted in the post-World War II context where the U.S. emerged as a dominant global power with extensive resources and infrastructure in the aviation sector. Nations aimed to protect their own economic interests and ensure equitable competition among their airlines. This drive to balance the aviation landscape led to a more cautious approach regarding the acceptance of unrestricted access as proposed by the five freedoms, reinforcing their preference for more regulated aviation practices that would shield their national interests from overwhelming foreign competition.