China Airspace
FIR: ZBPE (Beijing) / ZGZU (Guangzhou) · Last updated: April 2026
Current Status
Chinese airspace (ZBPE Beijing and ZGZU Guangzhou FIRs) is open to international traffic, with China operating the second-largest domestic aviation market globally. However, military airspace restrictions occupy a significant portion of Chinese airspace, and civil-military coordination can result in short-notice route changes and delays.
The East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), declared in 2013, overlaps with the Taipei FIR and creates procedural complexity for airlines operating in the region. Military exercises near Taiwan have periodically disrupted civil aviation routes, with NOTAMs closing airspace blocks at short notice. The frequency of these exercises has increased since 2022.
South China Sea routing remains a consideration for airlines flying between Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia. Competing sovereignty claims and occasional military activity in the area create monitoring requirements, though commercial traffic flows are generally unimpeded.
Key Risks
Military exercises near Taiwan create short-notice airspace closures. A major escalation could close multiple FIRs across the western Pacific.
The East China Sea ADIZ creates overlapping requirements for airlines, particularly those transiting between Japanese and Taiwanese airspace.
Approximately 70% of Chinese airspace is reserved for military use, creating congestion in civil corridors and frequent flow control delays.
Competing territorial claims create diplomatic complexity, though commercial overflights are not typically affected by surface-level disputes.
Recent Events
Military exercises in the Taiwan Strait resulted in 48-hour NOTAM closures affecting four airspace blocks east of Fujian province.
CAAC announced civil-military airspace integration reforms aiming to increase civil airspace availability by 15% by 2028.
Large-scale military exercises around Taiwan caused rerouting for over 200 commercial flights across three days.
South China Sea NOTAM activity increased, with temporary restricted areas established for naval exercises.
EASA & FAA Guidance
Neither EASA nor the FAA currently restricts operations within Chinese FIRs. Both agencies monitor the Taiwan Strait situation and have contingency guidance available for operators. The FAA maintains advisory information for US carriers regarding ADIZ procedures and military exercise NOTAMs. Airlines are advised to monitor NOTAMs closely for short-notice airspace restrictions.
Related
This page provides publicly available information about airspace conditions. Always consult official sources (ICAO, EASA, FAA) for operational decisions.