China to restrict flights across a 300 km zone around Beijing from September 2026

China will impose broad restrictions on flying around the capital from 20 September 2026, about three months after a light aircraft hit Beijing's tallest building. The pilot died and 13 people were injured.

The restricted airspace extends 300 kilometres from Beijing in every direction and covers more than 280,000 square kilometres, from ground level to unlimited height. It includes Beijing, Tianjin and much of Hebei province, and reaches into nearby areas and the Bohai Sea.

General aviation activity inside the zone will require approval, according to a Chinese aviation policy summary. The rules cover communications, aircraft identification and security reporting. Approved aircraft must stay on cleared flight plans, seek clearance before any deviation, and maintain two-way radio contact with air traffic control. They must also carry equipment for continuous electronic identification and tracking.

Airline flights will continue, the government said. Approved business flights are also allowed under the permanent arrangement, along with military, customs, police and fire-rescue operations.

The measures follow the 26 June 2026 crash, when the aircraft struck the 108-storey CITIC Tower in the capital's central business district. Authorities have said the 66-year-old pilot flew outside the area he was cleared for and lost contact with the suburban airport he had taken off from. Some sightseeing operators stopped flying after the crash.

Chinese airspace was already tightly controlled, with the military holding primary authority over its allocation. A smaller permanent no-fly zone already covers Beijing's political centre, and even regular airline flights are barred from it.

Beijing has adopted separate rules on drones that bar them from being stored or flown anywhere in the city. Revised municipal regulations taking effect on 15 November 2026 will prohibit keeping or storing drones and their core components across the municipality.