China imposes massive airspace closure over Beijing — the size of Italy

China has declared a massive airspace closure around Beijing, covering an area the size of Italy, following the intentional crash of a light sport aircraft into the CITIC Tower in June. The closure bans private flights, except for commercial, approved business, military, and emergency flights, and mandates strict safety measures.

China has imposed a sweeping airspace closure over Beijing, covering more than 280,000 square kilometers, an area comparable to Italy. The closure took effect on Sunday, following the intentional crash of a light sport aircraft into the 108-story CITIC Tower in Beijing's central business district on June 26. The pilot, aged 66, was killed in the crash, and 13 others were injured. Authorities reported that the pilot had indicated an intention to end his life in his diary. The restricted zone encircles Beijing, Tianjin, much of Hebei Province, and extends into parts of Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Shandong, Liaoning, and the Bohai Sea. Approximately 100 million people reside within its boundaries. The closure bans private flights, except for commercial flights, approved business flights, military flights, customs, police, and rescue operations. Exempted flights must operate according to a pre-approved flight plan, report deviations, maintain continuous radio contact, and carry surveillance equipment. Pilots are required to report their "security status" before entering the zone.