Beijing Imposes Total Drone Ban and New No Fly Zone Following Aircraft Crash

Beijing is implementing a total ban on the possession, storage, and operation of drones across the city starting November 15. The new regulations, announced by the municipal government, follow a June incident in which a small aircraft crashed into the CITIC Tower, the city's tallest building. The crash killed the pilot and injured 13 other people. Authorities stated the 66 year old pilot had suffered from mental health issues and had mentioned suicide in his diary.

In addition to the drone ban, a no fly zone in and around the capital will take effect on September 20. This zone primarily restricts non essential flights, though commercial aviation and emergency rescue operations are exempt. The exact boundaries and altitude limits of this zone have not been fully detailed. Under the new drone rules, residents must dispose of their devices or move them out of the city by the November deadline or face fines and confiscation. To facilitate this, the government is offering buy back subsidies and free shipping to mail devices out of the city.

Exemptions for drones may be granted for specific purposes, including counter terrorism, agriculture, disaster relief, and research. While drone sales were already prohibited in May, these new rules extend the restriction to the possession of existing devices. Some residents have expressed frustration, noting that the restrictions contradict previous government promotions of a low altitude economy.