China’s legislative body has ratified a substantially revised Civil Aviation Law, marking the most significant update to the nation’s aviation regulatory framework in recent years. The National People’s Congress Standing Committee formally approved the legislation on December 27, 2025, with implementation scheduled for July 1, 2026.
The comprehensive revision addresses the rapidly transforming aviation landscape, particularly the exponential growth of unmanned aircraft systems and emerging business models within the sector. The updated statute comprises 16 distinct chapters containing 262 articles that establish clearer parameters for aviation safety, operational standards, and technological integration.
A pivotal aspect of the new legislation involves stringent regulatory measures for civil drone operations. Manufacturers, importers, and operators of unmanned aircraft will now be subject to mandatory airworthiness certification requirements administered by national civil aviation authorities. The law further mandates that drone producers assign unique identification codes to each aircraft, enhancing traceability and regulatory oversight capabilities.
Aviation safety provisions have been significantly strengthened, explicitly prohibiting laser interference with airport visual navigation systems and detailing restrictions on activities that could disrupt electromagnetic environments surrounding airport facilities. The legislation additionally empowers airlines and airport operators to implement necessary measures when safety support capacity is deemed inadequate.
The revised framework also modernizes provisions concerning legal liability and enforcement mechanisms while supporting the development of aviation manufacturing capabilities and the emerging low-altitude economy. This legislative overhaul reflects China’s strategic approach to balancing technological innovation with robust safety protocols as domestic air travel demand continues to grow and new technologies reshape the aviation sector.