(Adnkronos) – Tightening of drone regulations in Beijing: the authorities of the Chinese capital, where flights of these devices were already prohibited, have announced an absolute ban on possessing them starting from November, in order – it was stated – to “protect the security” of the metropolis of 22 million inhabitants, which hosts the government, high-ranking officials, and the headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The new regulations, effective from November 15, will prohibit “holding or storing unmanned aircraft” within the city’s administrative territory, local authorities announced in a statement. Concerns related to the security of the city’s airspace were rekindled in June, when a small tourist plane crashed into Beijing’s tallest skyscraper, killing the pilot and injuring 13 people.
Drone flights were already prohibited in the capital, except with special authorizations. Furthermore, since May 2026, Beijing has banned the sale of drones within its territory, while owners were required to register their devices with the authorities but could keep them. The new rules now require them to be disposed of or transferred out of the capital by November 15, under penalty of confiscation and monetary fines. However, exemptions may be granted for the use of drones in specific areas, such as counter-terrorism, maintaining public order, emergency rescue, agriculture, or scientific research. In recent years, drones have become very popular in China, appreciated by tourists for recreational purposes and by professionals for their activities.
