Civil Aviation Administration of China
CAAC · Beijing, China · Last updated: April 2026
Overview
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) is the aviation regulatory authority of the People's Republic of China, operating under the Ministry of Transport. CAAC oversees the world's second-largest aviation market by passenger volume, with China's domestic air travel market expected to become the world's largest. The authority regulates airlines, airports, ATC, and aviation safety across mainland China.
CAAC administers the Chinese Civil Aviation Regulations (CCAR), which govern all aspects of civil aviation in China. The authority operates through seven regional administrations and numerous local offices. CAAC also oversees the Air Traffic Management Bureau (ATMB), which coordinates civil ATC across China's FIRs. China's airspace is heavily shared between civil and military authorities, with a significant portion reserved for military use, creating constraints on civil operations.
Key Functions
China declared an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) over the East China Sea in 2013. CAAC coordinates civil aviation compliance with ADIZ procedures, which require identification of aircraft entering the zone.
CAAC manages civil operations in the Sanya FIR covering the South China Sea, an area of overlapping territorial claims and increased military activity.
CAAC negotiates civil airspace access with the PLA Air Force. Military exercises and restrictions regularly affect civil route availability and cause delays.
CAAC regulates all Chinese airlines including the "Big Three" (Air China, China Eastern, China Southern) and a growing number of regional and low-cost carriers.
Role in Airspace Risk
CAAC's role in airspace risk is closely tied to China's geopolitical position. The East China Sea ADIZ overlaps with Japanese and South Korean ADIZs, creating a complex environment for civil aviation. International operators transiting the region must navigate differing ADIZ requirements from multiple states. CAAC coordinates civil aviation procedures within the Chinese ADIZ while military authorities handle identification and interception protocols.
The South China Sea presents unique challenges. The Sanya FIR covers vast oceanic airspace where China has constructed military installations on artificial islands. International operators routing through the South China Sea must coordinate with CAAC for overflight, while the underlying sovereignty disputes remain unresolved. Military exercises in the area periodically restrict civilian routing options.
The civil-military airspace balance in China affects both domestic and international operations. Military training areas and exercises can close airspace sectors with limited notice, causing delays and diversions. CAAC has been working to increase the proportion of airspace available for civil use, but progress is incremental. Taiwan Strait traffic management adds another layer of complexity, with both CAAC and Taiwan's CAA managing adjacent airspace in a sensitive political context.
Current Priorities
Managing the return to pre-2020 international traffic levels, including reopening routes and expanding bilateral air service agreements.
Ongoing efforts to increase civil airspace availability and reduce military-caused delays through improved civil-military coordination mechanisms.
Supporting the rollout of the domestically produced COMAC C919 aircraft, including certification standards and operational integration.
Chinese FIRs (ICAO Codes)
Mainland Chinese airspace is divided into nine Flight Information Regions, each with a four-letter ICAO designator beginning with Z. CAAC's Air Traffic Management Bureau coordinates ATC across all FIRs.
| ICAO | FIR Name | Region covered |
|---|---|---|
| ZBPC | Beijing | North China, including Beijing capital region |
| ZSHA | Shanghai | East China, Yangtze River delta |
| ZGZU | Guangzhou | South China, Pearl River delta |
| ZHWH | Wuhan | Central China |
| ZLHW | Lanzhou | Northwest China |
| ZPKM | Kunming | Southwest China, Yunnan plateau |
| ZJSA | Sanya | South China Sea oceanic airspace |
| ZWUQ | Urumqi | Xinjiang region |
| ZYSH | Shenyang | Northeast China |
Source: ICAO regional air-navigation plan, CAAC AIS publications. Updated April 2026.
CAAC China — Frequently Asked Questions
Common search queries answered with current status, FIR codes, and source citations.
- What is CAAC?
- CAAC stands for Civil Aviation Administration of China. It is the national civil aviation authority of the People's Republic of China, operating under the Ministry of Transport. CAAC regulates airlines, airports, air traffic control, and aviation safety across mainland China and oversees the world's second-largest aviation market by passenger volume.
- Where is CAAC headquartered?
- CAAC is headquartered in Beijing. The administration operates through seven regional administrations and numerous local offices across mainland China. The official website is caac.gov.cn.
- What FIRs does CAAC manage?
- Mainland Chinese airspace is divided into nine FIRs: ZBPC (Beijing), ZSHA (Shanghai), ZGZU (Guangzhou), ZHWH (Wuhan), ZLHW (Lanzhou), ZPKM (Kunming), ZJSA (Sanya), ZWUQ (Urumqi), and ZYSH (Shenyang). All are managed by CAAC's Air Traffic Management Bureau (ATMB) which coordinates civil ATC across the network.
- What is the difference between CAAC and FAA?
- CAAC is the Chinese civil aviation regulator; FAA is the US equivalent. Both perform similar functions: aircraft and operator certification, airspace management, safety oversight. CAAC issues regulations under the Chinese Civil Aviation Regulations (CCAR) framework; FAA issues regulations codified in 14 CFR. The two authorities coordinate on bilateral matters but operate independently in their respective jurisdictions.
- Does CAAC publish NOTAMs?
- Yes. CAAC publishes NOTAMs through the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) of China, accessible to operators via standard ICAO AIS channels. NOTAMs are published in English and Chinese for international operators. Operational airspace restrictions affecting civil aviation are communicated through the NOTAM system in the same way as other ICAO member states.
- What is the Sanya FIR (ZJSA)?
- ZJSA (Sanya FIR) covers oceanic airspace over the South China Sea south of Hainan Island. It is one of the nine FIRs managed by CAAC. The FIR boundaries are established under ICAO regional air-navigation plans. ZJSA is a transit FIR for international operators routing between East Asia and Southeast Asia / Oceania.
Related
This page provides publicly available information about aviation regulators. Always consult the official organization for operational guidance.