Civil Aviation Law of the People's Republic of China (Revised in 2025)
Civil Aviation Law of the People's Republic of China (Revised in 2025)
Civil Aviation Law of the People's Republic of China (Revised in 2025)
Order of the President of the People's Republic of China No. 65
December 27, 2025
The Civil Aviation Law of the People's Republic of China, revised and adopted at the 19th Session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China on December 27, 2025, is hereby issued and shall come into force on July 1, 2026.
Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China
Civil Aviation Law of the People's Republic of China
(Adopted at the 16th Session of the Standing Committee of the 8th National People's Congress on October 30, 1995; amended for the first time in accordance with the Decision on Amending Certain Laws adopted at the 10th Session of the Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress on August 27, 2009; amended for the second time in accordance with the Decision on Revising Five Laws including the Metrology Law of the People's Republic of China adopted at the 14th Session of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People's Congress on April 24, 2015; amended for the third time in accordance with the Decision on Revising Twelve Laws Including the Foreign Trade Law of the People's Republic of China adopted at the 24th Session of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People's Congress on November 7, 2016; amended for the fourth time in accordance with the Decision on Revising Eleven Laws Including the Accounting Law of the People's Republic of China adopted at the 30th Session of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People's Congress on November 4, 2017; amended for the fifth time in accordance with the Decision on Revising Seven Laws Including the Labor Law of the People's Republic of China adopted at the 7th Session of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress on December 29, 2018; amended for the sixth time in accordance with the Decision on Revising Eight Laws Including the Law of the People's Republic of China on Road Traffic Safety adopted at the 28th Session of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress on April 29, 2021; and revised at the 19th Session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress on December 27, 2025)
Contents
Chapter I General Provisions
Chapter II Civil Aircraft
Section 1 Nationality of Civil Aircraft
Section 2 Rights in Civil Aircraft
Section 3 Airworthiness Management of Civil Aircraft
Chapter III Aviation Personnel
Section 1 General Rules
Section 2 Flight Crew
Chapter IV Civil Airports
Section 1 General Rules
Section 2 Transport Airports
Section 3 General Aviation Airports
Chapter V Air Navigation
Section 1 Airspace Management
Section 2 Flight Management
Section 3 Flight Support
Chapter VI Public Air Transport
Section 1 General Rules
Section 2 Public Air Transport Enterprises
Section 3 Transport Documents
Section 4 Liability of the Carrier
Section 5 Special Provisions on Carriage by Air Performed by the Actual Carrier
Section 6 Protection of Passenger Rights and Interests
Chapter VII General Aviation
Chapter VIII Civil Aviation Security
Chapter IX Search and Rescue and Accident Investigation
Chapter X Liability for Damage to Third Parties
Chapter XI Special Provisions on Foreign Civil Aircraft
Chapter XII Application of Law in Foreign-related Matters
Chapter XIII Development and Promotion
Chapter XIV Supervision and Administration
Chapter XV Legal Liability
Chapter XVI Supplementary Provisions
Chapter I General Provisions
Article 1 This Law is enacted to safeguard the sovereignty of the national airspace and the rights and interests of civil aviation, ensure that civil aviation activities are conducted in a safe and orderly manner, protect the lawful rights and interests of all parties involved in civil aviation activities, and promote the high-quality development of the civil aviation industry.
Article 2 The airspace above the land territory and territorial waters of the People's Republic of China constitutes the territorial airspace of the People's Republic of China. The People's Republic of China has complete and exclusive sovereignty over its territorial airspace.
Article 3 The development of the civil aviation industry shall uphold the leadership of the Communist Party of China, follow a people-centered approach, uphold the principle of safety first, coordinate development and security, and provide strong support for building a modern socialist country in all respects.
Article 4 The competent civil aviation authority under the State Council shall exercise unified supervision and administration over civil aviation activities throughout the country, and shall, within the scope of its authority and in accordance with the laws, administrative regulations, and the decisions and orders of the State Council, formulate and issue regulations and decisions concerning civil aviation activities.
Regional civil aviation administrations established by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council shall, as authorized by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, supervise and regulate civil aviation activities within their respective regions.
Article 5 The competent civil aviation authority under the State Council shall, in conjunction with relevant authorities under the State Council, formulate development plans for civil aviation in accordance with national economic and social development plans and comprehensive transport system plans.
Article 6 Investment in the fields of public air transport, general aviation, civil airports, and air traffic management shall comply with laws, administrative regulations, and relevant provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Foreign investment in the civil aviation sector shall also comply with laws and administrative regulations governing foreign investment and relevant provisions of the State.
Article 7 The State shall strengthen the development of civil aviation infrastructure, encourage and support scientific and technological research in civil aviation, develop civil aviation education, intensify the cultivation of civil aviation professionals, enhance the level of civil aviation safety assurance and service quality, and promote the high-quality development of the civil aviation industry.
Article 8 Any person engaged in civil aviation activities shall comply with laws, regulations, and relevant provisions of the State on ecological and environmental protection, and shall control and reduce the emission of pollutants and greenhouse gases.
Article 9 Entities engaged in civil aviation production and business operations shall fulfill their primary responsibilities for work safety, establish and improve work safety rules and regulations, ensure adequate investment in safety, improve work safety conditions, establish and implement a dual prevention mechanism for the graded classification and control of civil aviation safety risks and for the identification and remediation of potential hazards, and enhance the level of work safety in civil aviation activities.
Article 10 Entities and individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the development of civil aviation or to civil aviation safety shall be commended and rewarded in accordance with relevant provisions of the State.
Chapter II Civil Aircraft
Section 1 Nationality of Civil Aircraft
Article 11 For the purposes of this Law, “civil aircraft” means any aircraft other than those used to perform flight missions for military, customs, police, or fire and rescue purposes.
Article 12 A civil aircraft that has undergone nationality registration with the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council in accordance with the law shall have the nationality of the People's Republic of China, and a certificate of nationality registration shall be issued by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
The competent civil aviation authority under the State Council shall establish a Civil Aircraft Nationality Register of the People's Republic of China to uniformly record matters relating to the nationality registration of civil aircraft.
Article 13 A civil aircraft shall not possess dual nationality. A civil aircraft whose foreign nationality has not been deregistered shall not apply for nationality registration in the People's Republic of China.
Article 14 Civil aircraft of State authorities of the People's Republic of China shall be registered for nationality in the People's Republic of China.
The following civil aircraft may be registered for nationality in the People's Republic of China:
(1) Civil aircraft of legal persons and unincorporated organizations established in accordance with the laws of the People's Republic of China;
(2) Civil aircraft of Chinese citizens who have a domicile within the territory of the People's Republic of China; and
(3) Other civil aircraft approved for registration by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Where a civil aircraft is leased from outside the territory of China, if the lessee meets the requirements set out in the preceding paragraph and the crew of the aircraft is provided by the lessee, an application may be filed for nationality registration in the People's Republic of China, provided that the original nationality registration of the aircraft has first been deregistered.
Article 15 A civil aircraft that has lawfully acquired the nationality of the People's Republic of China shall bear the prescribed nationality mark and registration mark.
A civil aircraft may apply to the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council for a certificate of airworthiness only after it has acquired the nationality of the People's Republic of China.
Section 2 Rights in Civil Aircraft
Article 16 For the purposes of this Law, rights in civil aircraft include rights in the airframe, engines, propellers, radio equipment, and all other items intended for use on the civil aircraft, whether installed thereon or temporarily removed therefrom.
Article 17 The holder of rights in a civil aircraft may apply to the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council for registration of the following rights respectively; without registration, such rights shall not be asserted against a bona fide third party:
(1) Ownership of the civil aircraft;
(2) The right to acquire and possess the civil aircraft through a purchase;
(3) The right to possess the civil aircraft under a finance lease contract or a lease contract with a term of six months or more; and
(4) A mortgage over the civil aircraft.
The transfer of ownership of a civil aircraft shall be effected by a written contract.
Registration of a mortgage over a civil aircraft shall be jointly applied for by the mortgagee and the mortgagor to the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Article 18 The competent civil aviation authority under the State Council shall establish a Civil Aircraft Rights Register. Matters relating to rights in the same civil aircraft shall be recorded in the same register.
Matters registered concerning the rights in civil aircraft shall be made available to the public for inquiry, reproduction or extraction.
Article 19 Except where a civil aircraft is subject to compulsory auction in accordance with the law, the nationality registration or rights registration of a civil aircraft shall not be transferred abroad unless the registered rights in the civil aircraft have been compensated or the holder of such rights has granted consent.
Article 20 A civil aircraft lien means the right of a creditor, in accordance with Article 21 of this Law, to make a claim against the owner or lessee of a civil aircraft and to be paid in priority out of the civil aircraft giving rise to such claim.
A civil aircraft lien shall have priority over a mortgage over a civil aircraft.
Where a claim specified in Article 21 of this Law is assigned, the corresponding civil aircraft lien shall be assigned together therewith.
Article 21 The following claims shall give rise to a civil aircraft lien:
(1) Remuneration for the salvage of the civil aircraft;
(2) Necessary expenses for the custody and maintenance of the civil aircraft.
With respect to the claims specified in the preceding paragraph, those arising later shall be satisfied first. The creditor shall, within three months from the completion of the salvage or custody and maintenance, apply to the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council for registration of the claim.
Article 22 A civil aircraft lien shall be exercised through the detention of the civil aircraft giving rise to such lien by a people's court.
Article 23 A civil aircraft lien shall be extinguished upon the expiration of three months from the completion of the salvage or custody and maintenance. However, this shall not apply where the creditor has registered the claim in accordance with of Article 21 of this Law and any of the following circumstances exists:
(1) The creditor and the debtor have reached an agreement on the amount of the claim; or
(2) Legal proceedings relating to the claim have been initiated.
A civil aircraft lien shall not be extinguished by the transfer of ownership of the civil aircraft. However, this shall not apply where the civil aircraft has been subject to compulsory auction in accordance with the law.
Article 24 Expenses incurred in the execution of a people's court judgment and in the auction process for the common benefit of creditors shall be paid in priority out of the proceeds from the auction of the civil aircraft.
Section 3 Airworthiness Management of Civil Aircraft
Article 25 Any organization engaged in the design or design modification of civil aircraft and their engines and propellers (hereinafter collectively referred to as “civil aviation products”), as well as parts of civil aviation products, shall, in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, establish a corresponding design assurance system and apply to the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council for a design organization approval (DOA) certificate.
An organization that has obtained a DOA certificate may, upon entrustment by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, provide technical inspections and other related services.
Article 26 A type certificate shall be applied for, in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, for the design of civil aviation products.
A design approval certificate shall be applied for, in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, for the design of parts of civil aviation products.
Where a civil aviation product in respect of which a type certificate has been issued by a foreign authority is imported into China for the first time or manufactured within the territory of China, an application shall be made for a type validation certificate in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Where parts of civil aviation products in respect of which a design approval certificate has been issued by a foreign authority are imported into China for the first time or manufactured within the territory of China, an application shall be made for a design validation certificate in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Article 27 Any modification to the design of civil aviation products in respect of which the relevant certificates have been obtained in accordance with the first paragraph or the third paragraph of Article 26 of this Law shall be carried out by an organization holding a DOA certificate, and an application shall be made for a supplemental type certificate or a modification approval certificate in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council. However, this shall not apply to minor design changes.
Where a modification to the design of a civil aviation product in respect of which a supplemental type certificate has been issued by a foreign authority is to be implemented on a civil aircraft having the nationality of the People's Republic of China, an application shall be made to the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council for a supplemental type validation certificate.
An organization holding a DOA certificate may issue certificates of conformity for minor design changes carried out by it.
For the purposes of this Law, “minor design changes” means design modifications that do not have a significant effect on the weight, balance, structural strength, reliability, operational characteristics, or other characteristics relating to the airworthiness of civil aviation products.
Where an approved design or design modification is transferred, the transferee shall hold a DOA certificate appropriate to the design or design modification to be transferred.
Article 28 Any organization engaged in the production of civil aviation products and parts shall establish a production quality system in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, and apply for a production organization approval (POA) certificate.
An organization that has obtained a POA certificate may, within the scope of its approval, issue certificates of conformity for civil aviation products and parts it produces, and may, upon entrustment by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, provide technical inspections and other related services.
Article 29 Where an entity only designs and produces parts of civil aviation products that are installed on civil aviation products which have obtained a type certificate or a type validation certificate and that, after installation, constitute only minor design changes, and is not required under the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council to obtain a DOA certificate or a POA certificate, it shall apply to the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council for a parts manufacturer approval certificate.
Article 30 Any organization engaged in the maintenance of civil aviation products and parts shall apply for a maintenance organization approval certificate in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Article 31 A civil aircraft having the nationality of the People's Republic of China may fly only after it has applied for and obtained an airworthiness certificate in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council. If a civil aircraft has not yet obtained an airworthiness certificate but needs to conduct flight activities for purposes such as production test flights, it may conduct such flight activities within the approved scope after applying for and obtaining a special flight permit in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Where a civil aircraft having a foreign nationality is leased for engaging in flight activities as prescribed by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, an application shall be made, in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, either for the validation of the airworthiness certificate issued by the State of registry or for the issuance of an airworthiness certificate before it may be flown.
For the export of a civil aircraft, an application may be made to the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council for an export airworthiness certificate.
Article 32 Any entity engaged in the design or production of civil aviation chemical products, or in the supply or testing of civil aviation fuel, shall apply for the relevant approval certificates in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Article 33 The owner or lessee of a civil aircraft shall use the civil aircraft within the scope specified in the airworthiness certificate, properly perform maintenance and upkeep of the civil aircraft, and ensure that the civil aircraft remains in an airworthy condition; if civil aviation products and parts require maintenance, such maintenance shall be carried out by organizations or persons holding the relevant approvals in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Article 34 Any entity engaged in the design, production, import, maintenance, or flight activities of civil unmanned aircraft shall, in accordance with relevant State provisions, apply to the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council for airworthiness approval, except where such approval is not required in accordance with regulations.
Any organization engaged in the production of civil unmanned aircraft shall, in accordance with relevant State provisions, assign a unique product identification code to the unmanned aircraft it produces.
Article 35 The State Council shall formulate provisions on the airworthiness management of civil aircraft in accordance with this Law.
Chapter III Aviation Personnel
Section 1 General Rules
Article 36 For the purposes of this Law, “aviation personnel” means the following flight crew members and ground personnel engaged in civil aviation activities:
(1) Flight crew members, including pilots, flight engineers, cabin crew members, and aviation security officers; and
(2) Ground personnel, including civil aircraft maintenance personnel, air traffic controllers, flight dispatchers, aeronautical telecommunication personnel, aeronautical information personnel, and aeronautical meteorological personnel.
Article 37 Cabin crew members shall receive specialized training and obtain training qualification certificates issued by public air transport enterprises. Other aviation personnel shall receive specialized training, pass the relevant examinations, and obtain licenses issued by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council before performing their respective duties.
Flight crew members and air traffic controllers shall, prior to obtaining licenses or training qualification certificates, undergo medical examinations conducted by medical institutions meeting the requirements of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, and obtain medical certificates issued by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Article 38 When engaged in flight activities, pilots, flight engineers, and aviation security officers shall carry their licenses and medical certificates, and cabin crew members shall carry their training qualification certificates and medical certificates. All such licenses and certificates shall be subject to inspection by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Article 39 Aviation personnel shall undergo training and periodic or ad hoc inspections and assessments in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, and may continue to perform their duties only upon passing such inspections and assessments.
The employing entities of aviation personnel shall establish and improve labor protection and health management systems for aviation personnel in accordance with regulations, to ensure that aviation personnel maintain sound physical and mental conditions.
Article 40 Organizations providing licensing and qualification training for civil aircraft pilots, maintenance personnel, and flight dispatchers shall apply for and obtain the corresponding permits in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, and shall conduct training within the permitted scope and in accordance with training programs.
Article 41 Flight simulation training devices used to meet the training, examination, or inspection requirements for civil aircraft pilots shall be appraised by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council and obtain flight simulation training device certificates before being put into use.
Section 2 Flight Crew
Article 42 The flight crew of a civil aircraft shall consist of the pilot-in-command and other flight crew members. The pilot-in-command shall be a pilot possessing the technical competence and experience to operate independently the type of civil aircraft concerned.
The composition and number of flight crew members shall comply with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Article 43 The operation of a civil aircraft shall be under the responsibility of the pilot-in-command. The pilot-in-command shall strictly perform his or her duties and ensure the safety of the civil aircraft and the persons and property carried thereon.
All persons on board the civil aircraft shall comply with the orders issued by the pilot-in-command within the scope of his or her authority.
Article 44 Prior to flight, the pilot-in-command shall conduct the necessary inspections of the civil aircraft; no takeoff shall be made without such inspections.
Where the pilot-in-command finds that the civil aircraft, airport conditions, meteorological conditions, or other relevant factors do not comply with applicable requirements and cannot ensure flight safety, he or she shall have the right to refuse takeoff.
Article 45 During flight, in the event of any act that damages the civil aircraft, disrupts order on board, endangers the safety of persons or property on board, or otherwise jeopardizes flight safety, the pilot-in-command shall have the authority, subject to ensuring safety, to take reasonable measures, including necessary restraint and control measures, and may request or authorize passengers to provide assistance, where necessary.
During flight, in the event of special circumstances, the pilot-in-command shall have the authority to take such measures as are necessary with respect to the civil aircraft in order to ensure the safety of the civil aircraft and the persons on board.
Article 46 Where the pilot-in-command finds that any member of the flight crew is unfit to perform flight duties, he or she shall have the authority to propose adjustments in order to ensure flight safety.
Article 47 In the event of distress to a civil aircraft, the pilot-in-command shall have the authority to take all necessary measures and to direct the flight crew members and other persons on board to carry out rescue operations. In an emergency requiring evacuation of the distressed civil aircraft, the pilot-in-command shall take measures to organize passengers to leave the civil aircraft safely as a priority; without the permission of the pilot-in-command, flight crew members shall not leave the civil aircraft without authorization; the pilot-in-command shall be the last to leave the civil aircraft.
Article 48 Where an accident occurs to a civil aircraft, the pilot-in-command shall promptly and truthfully report the accident to the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, either directly or through the air traffic control unit.
Article 49 Where the pilot-in-command receives a distress signal from a vessel or another aircraft, or discovers a vessel, aircraft, or persons in distress, he or she shall promptly report the distress situation to the nearest air traffic control unit and provide such reasonable assistance as may be possible.
Article 50 Where, during flight, the pilot-in-command is unable to perform his or her duties for any reason, the pilot next in command shall act as the pilot-in-command; before departure from the next stop, the owner or lessee of the civil aircraft shall designate a new pilot-in-command to assume duties.
Article 51 Where a civil aircraft is operated by a single pilot and no other flight crew members are required, the provisions of this Section concerning the pilot-in-command shall apply to such pilot.
Chapter IV Civil Airports
Section 1 General Rules
Article 52 For the purposes of this Law, “civil airport” means a designated area used for the takeoff, landing, taxiing, parking, and other activities of civil aircraft, including associated buildings, installations, and facilities.
Civil airports are classified into public air transport airports (hereinafter referred to as “transport airports”) and general aviation airports (hereinafter referred to as “general airports”).
Measures for the administration of joint military/civil airports shall be separately formulated by the State Council and the Central Military Commission.
The use and administration of temporary takeoff and landing sites shall be governed by the relevant State provisions.
Article 53 The planning, construction, and operation of civil airports shall be carried out in a coordinated manner with a rational layout, shall comply with national defense requirements in accordance with the law, and safety levels and operational efficiency shall be improved, and the development of civil aviation shall be promoted in coordination with ecological and environmental protection.
Article 54 The local people's governments at or above the county level shall incorporate the site selection and master planning of civil airports within their respective administrative regions into territorial spatial planning at the corresponding level in a coordinated manner, and shall, in accordance with the law, exercise planning control over surrounding areas based on the needs of airport operational safety, national defense, and ecological and environmental protection, and designate areas where the construction of noise-sensitive buildings is prohibited or restricted.
Article 55 For the construction or expansion of a civil airport, the local people's government at or above the county level where the airport is located shall issue a project construction announcement.
The announcement referred to in the preceding paragraph shall be published in major local media and posted in areas surrounding the proposed site of the airport construction or expansion.
Article 56 The relevant local people's governments at the place where a civil airport is located shall, in conjunction with the regional civil aviation administration, designate civil airport obstacle clearance protection zones in accordance with relevant State provisions and make them public.
The following acts that affect obstacle clearance protection are prohibited within the civil airport area and the obstacle clearance protection zones designated in accordance with the law:
(1) Constructing shooting ranges, warehouses for highly explosive materials, or other buildings or facilities that affect flight safety;
(2) Constructing buildings or facilities that do not comply with obstacle clearance requirements;
(3) Installing lights, lasers, signs, or objects that affect the use of visual navigation aids at the airport;
(4) Planting vegetation that affects flight safety or the use of airport navigation aids;
(5) Releasing birds that affect flight safety, or launching unmanned free balloons, tethered balloons, or other airborne objects;
(6) Emitting large quantities of smoke, dust, flames, exhaust gases, or other substances that affect flight safety; and
(7) Other acts prohibited by laws or administrative regulations.
Article 57 The local radio administration authorities at the place where a civil airport is located shall, in conjunction with the regional civil aviation administration, designate electromagnetic environment protection zones for civil airports in accordance with relevant State provisions and standards on radio administration and make them public.
The following acts that affect the electromagnetic environment of civil airports are prohibited within the electromagnetic environment protection zones designated in accordance with the law:
(1) Establishing or using radio stations without approval;
(2) Installing or using equipment, instruments, or devices that affect the use of civil aviation radio stations;
(3) Constructing or installing railways, highways, embankments, power facilities, overhead metal lines, metal accumulations, or other structures or facilities that affect the use of civil aviation radio stations;
(4) Carrying out activities such as excavation, sand extraction, or stone quarrying that alter terrain and affect the propagation of civil aviation radio signals; and
(5) Other acts prohibited by laws or administrative regulations.
Article 58 Prior to the issuance of a civil airport project construction announcement, any buildings, structures, trees, lighting facilities, radio stations, or other obstacles that may affect flight safety and that exist within the designated civil airport area, obstacle clearance protection zones, or electromagnetic environment protection zones shall be removed within a prescribed time limit; if the parties fail to remove them within the time limit and still fail to do so after being urged, the people's government at or above the county level at the place where the airport is located shall remove them in accordance with the law.
......
Order of the President of the People's Republic of China No. 65
December 27, 2025
The Civil Aviation Law of the People's Republic of China, revised and adopted at the 19th Session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China on December 27, 2025, is hereby issued and shall come into force on July 1, 2026.
Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China
Civil Aviation Law of the People's Republic of China
(Adopted at the 16th Session of the Standing Committee of the 8th National People's Congress on October 30, 1995; amended for the first time in accordance with the Decision on Amending Certain Laws adopted at the 10th Session of the Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress on August 27, 2009; amended for the second time in accordance with the Decision on Revising Five Laws including the Metrology Law of the People's Republic of China adopted at the 14th Session of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People's Congress on April 24, 2015; amended for the third time in accordance with the Decision on Revising Twelve Laws Including the Foreign Trade Law of the People's Republic of China adopted at the 24th Session of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People's Congress on November 7, 2016; amended for the fourth time in accordance with the Decision on Revising Eleven Laws Including the Accounting Law of the People's Republic of China adopted at the 30th Session of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People's Congress on November 4, 2017; amended for the fifth time in accordance with the Decision on Revising Seven Laws Including the Labor Law of the People's Republic of China adopted at the 7th Session of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress on December 29, 2018; amended for the sixth time in accordance with the Decision on Revising Eight Laws Including the Law of the People's Republic of China on Road Traffic Safety adopted at the 28th Session of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress on April 29, 2021; and revised at the 19th Session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress on December 27, 2025)
Contents
Chapter I General Provisions
Chapter II Civil Aircraft
Section 1 Nationality of Civil Aircraft
Section 2 Rights in Civil Aircraft
Section 3 Airworthiness Management of Civil Aircraft
Chapter III Aviation Personnel
Section 1 General Rules
Section 2 Flight Crew
Chapter IV Civil Airports
Section 1 General Rules
Section 2 Transport Airports
Section 3 General Aviation Airports
Chapter V Air Navigation
Section 1 Airspace Management
Section 2 Flight Management
Section 3 Flight Support
Chapter VI Public Air Transport
Section 1 General Rules
Section 2 Public Air Transport Enterprises
Section 3 Transport Documents
Section 4 Liability of the Carrier
Section 5 Special Provisions on Carriage by Air Performed by the Actual Carrier
Section 6 Protection of Passenger Rights and Interests
Chapter VII General Aviation
Chapter VIII Civil Aviation Security
Chapter IX Search and Rescue and Accident Investigation
Chapter X Liability for Damage to Third Parties
Chapter XI Special Provisions on Foreign Civil Aircraft
Chapter XII Application of Law in Foreign-related Matters
Chapter XIII Development and Promotion
Chapter XIV Supervision and Administration
Chapter XV Legal Liability
Chapter XVI Supplementary Provisions
Chapter I General Provisions
Article 1 This Law is enacted to safeguard the sovereignty of the national airspace and the rights and interests of civil aviation, ensure that civil aviation activities are conducted in a safe and orderly manner, protect the lawful rights and interests of all parties involved in civil aviation activities, and promote the high-quality development of the civil aviation industry.
Article 2 The airspace above the land territory and territorial waters of the People's Republic of China constitutes the territorial airspace of the People's Republic of China. The People's Republic of China has complete and exclusive sovereignty over its territorial airspace.
Article 3 The development of the civil aviation industry shall uphold the leadership of the Communist Party of China, follow a people-centered approach, uphold the principle of safety first, coordinate development and security, and provide strong support for building a modern socialist country in all respects.
Article 4 The competent civil aviation authority under the State Council shall exercise unified supervision and administration over civil aviation activities throughout the country, and shall, within the scope of its authority and in accordance with the laws, administrative regulations, and the decisions and orders of the State Council, formulate and issue regulations and decisions concerning civil aviation activities.
Regional civil aviation administrations established by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council shall, as authorized by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, supervise and regulate civil aviation activities within their respective regions.
Article 5 The competent civil aviation authority under the State Council shall, in conjunction with relevant authorities under the State Council, formulate development plans for civil aviation in accordance with national economic and social development plans and comprehensive transport system plans.
Article 6 Investment in the fields of public air transport, general aviation, civil airports, and air traffic management shall comply with laws, administrative regulations, and relevant provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Foreign investment in the civil aviation sector shall also comply with laws and administrative regulations governing foreign investment and relevant provisions of the State.
Article 7 The State shall strengthen the development of civil aviation infrastructure, encourage and support scientific and technological research in civil aviation, develop civil aviation education, intensify the cultivation of civil aviation professionals, enhance the level of civil aviation safety assurance and service quality, and promote the high-quality development of the civil aviation industry.
Article 8 Any person engaged in civil aviation activities shall comply with laws, regulations, and relevant provisions of the State on ecological and environmental protection, and shall control and reduce the emission of pollutants and greenhouse gases.
Article 9 Entities engaged in civil aviation production and business operations shall fulfill their primary responsibilities for work safety, establish and improve work safety rules and regulations, ensure adequate investment in safety, improve work safety conditions, establish and implement a dual prevention mechanism for the graded classification and control of civil aviation safety risks and for the identification and remediation of potential hazards, and enhance the level of work safety in civil aviation activities.
Article 10 Entities and individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the development of civil aviation or to civil aviation safety shall be commended and rewarded in accordance with relevant provisions of the State.
Chapter II Civil Aircraft
Section 1 Nationality of Civil Aircraft
Article 11 For the purposes of this Law, “civil aircraft” means any aircraft other than those used to perform flight missions for military, customs, police, or fire and rescue purposes.
Article 12 A civil aircraft that has undergone nationality registration with the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council in accordance with the law shall have the nationality of the People's Republic of China, and a certificate of nationality registration shall be issued by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
The competent civil aviation authority under the State Council shall establish a Civil Aircraft Nationality Register of the People's Republic of China to uniformly record matters relating to the nationality registration of civil aircraft.
Article 13 A civil aircraft shall not possess dual nationality. A civil aircraft whose foreign nationality has not been deregistered shall not apply for nationality registration in the People's Republic of China.
Article 14 Civil aircraft of State authorities of the People's Republic of China shall be registered for nationality in the People's Republic of China.
The following civil aircraft may be registered for nationality in the People's Republic of China:
(1) Civil aircraft of legal persons and unincorporated organizations established in accordance with the laws of the People's Republic of China;
(2) Civil aircraft of Chinese citizens who have a domicile within the territory of the People's Republic of China; and
(3) Other civil aircraft approved for registration by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Where a civil aircraft is leased from outside the territory of China, if the lessee meets the requirements set out in the preceding paragraph and the crew of the aircraft is provided by the lessee, an application may be filed for nationality registration in the People's Republic of China, provided that the original nationality registration of the aircraft has first been deregistered.
Article 15 A civil aircraft that has lawfully acquired the nationality of the People's Republic of China shall bear the prescribed nationality mark and registration mark.
A civil aircraft may apply to the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council for a certificate of airworthiness only after it has acquired the nationality of the People's Republic of China.
Section 2 Rights in Civil Aircraft
Article 16 For the purposes of this Law, rights in civil aircraft include rights in the airframe, engines, propellers, radio equipment, and all other items intended for use on the civil aircraft, whether installed thereon or temporarily removed therefrom.
Article 17 The holder of rights in a civil aircraft may apply to the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council for registration of the following rights respectively; without registration, such rights shall not be asserted against a bona fide third party:
(1) Ownership of the civil aircraft;
(2) The right to acquire and possess the civil aircraft through a purchase;
(3) The right to possess the civil aircraft under a finance lease contract or a lease contract with a term of six months or more; and
(4) A mortgage over the civil aircraft.
The transfer of ownership of a civil aircraft shall be effected by a written contract.
Registration of a mortgage over a civil aircraft shall be jointly applied for by the mortgagee and the mortgagor to the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Article 18 The competent civil aviation authority under the State Council shall establish a Civil Aircraft Rights Register. Matters relating to rights in the same civil aircraft shall be recorded in the same register.
Matters registered concerning the rights in civil aircraft shall be made available to the public for inquiry, reproduction or extraction.
Article 19 Except where a civil aircraft is subject to compulsory auction in accordance with the law, the nationality registration or rights registration of a civil aircraft shall not be transferred abroad unless the registered rights in the civil aircraft have been compensated or the holder of such rights has granted consent.
Article 20 A civil aircraft lien means the right of a creditor, in accordance with Article 21 of this Law, to make a claim against the owner or lessee of a civil aircraft and to be paid in priority out of the civil aircraft giving rise to such claim.
A civil aircraft lien shall have priority over a mortgage over a civil aircraft.
Where a claim specified in Article 21 of this Law is assigned, the corresponding civil aircraft lien shall be assigned together therewith.
Article 21 The following claims shall give rise to a civil aircraft lien:
(1) Remuneration for the salvage of the civil aircraft;
(2) Necessary expenses for the custody and maintenance of the civil aircraft.
With respect to the claims specified in the preceding paragraph, those arising later shall be satisfied first. The creditor shall, within three months from the completion of the salvage or custody and maintenance, apply to the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council for registration of the claim.
Article 22 A civil aircraft lien shall be exercised through the detention of the civil aircraft giving rise to such lien by a people's court.
Article 23 A civil aircraft lien shall be extinguished upon the expiration of three months from the completion of the salvage or custody and maintenance. However, this shall not apply where the creditor has registered the claim in accordance with of Article 21 of this Law and any of the following circumstances exists:
(1) The creditor and the debtor have reached an agreement on the amount of the claim; or
(2) Legal proceedings relating to the claim have been initiated.
A civil aircraft lien shall not be extinguished by the transfer of ownership of the civil aircraft. However, this shall not apply where the civil aircraft has been subject to compulsory auction in accordance with the law.
Article 24 Expenses incurred in the execution of a people's court judgment and in the auction process for the common benefit of creditors shall be paid in priority out of the proceeds from the auction of the civil aircraft.
Section 3 Airworthiness Management of Civil Aircraft
Article 25 Any organization engaged in the design or design modification of civil aircraft and their engines and propellers (hereinafter collectively referred to as “civil aviation products”), as well as parts of civil aviation products, shall, in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, establish a corresponding design assurance system and apply to the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council for a design organization approval (DOA) certificate.
An organization that has obtained a DOA certificate may, upon entrustment by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, provide technical inspections and other related services.
Article 26 A type certificate shall be applied for, in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, for the design of civil aviation products.
A design approval certificate shall be applied for, in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, for the design of parts of civil aviation products.
Where a civil aviation product in respect of which a type certificate has been issued by a foreign authority is imported into China for the first time or manufactured within the territory of China, an application shall be made for a type validation certificate in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Where parts of civil aviation products in respect of which a design approval certificate has been issued by a foreign authority are imported into China for the first time or manufactured within the territory of China, an application shall be made for a design validation certificate in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Article 27 Any modification to the design of civil aviation products in respect of which the relevant certificates have been obtained in accordance with the first paragraph or the third paragraph of Article 26 of this Law shall be carried out by an organization holding a DOA certificate, and an application shall be made for a supplemental type certificate or a modification approval certificate in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council. However, this shall not apply to minor design changes.
Where a modification to the design of a civil aviation product in respect of which a supplemental type certificate has been issued by a foreign authority is to be implemented on a civil aircraft having the nationality of the People's Republic of China, an application shall be made to the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council for a supplemental type validation certificate.
An organization holding a DOA certificate may issue certificates of conformity for minor design changes carried out by it.
For the purposes of this Law, “minor design changes” means design modifications that do not have a significant effect on the weight, balance, structural strength, reliability, operational characteristics, or other characteristics relating to the airworthiness of civil aviation products.
Where an approved design or design modification is transferred, the transferee shall hold a DOA certificate appropriate to the design or design modification to be transferred.
Article 28 Any organization engaged in the production of civil aviation products and parts shall establish a production quality system in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, and apply for a production organization approval (POA) certificate.
An organization that has obtained a POA certificate may, within the scope of its approval, issue certificates of conformity for civil aviation products and parts it produces, and may, upon entrustment by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, provide technical inspections and other related services.
Article 29 Where an entity only designs and produces parts of civil aviation products that are installed on civil aviation products which have obtained a type certificate or a type validation certificate and that, after installation, constitute only minor design changes, and is not required under the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council to obtain a DOA certificate or a POA certificate, it shall apply to the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council for a parts manufacturer approval certificate.
Article 30 Any organization engaged in the maintenance of civil aviation products and parts shall apply for a maintenance organization approval certificate in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Article 31 A civil aircraft having the nationality of the People's Republic of China may fly only after it has applied for and obtained an airworthiness certificate in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council. If a civil aircraft has not yet obtained an airworthiness certificate but needs to conduct flight activities for purposes such as production test flights, it may conduct such flight activities within the approved scope after applying for and obtaining a special flight permit in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Where a civil aircraft having a foreign nationality is leased for engaging in flight activities as prescribed by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, an application shall be made, in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, either for the validation of the airworthiness certificate issued by the State of registry or for the issuance of an airworthiness certificate before it may be flown.
For the export of a civil aircraft, an application may be made to the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council for an export airworthiness certificate.
Article 32 Any entity engaged in the design or production of civil aviation chemical products, or in the supply or testing of civil aviation fuel, shall apply for the relevant approval certificates in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Article 33 The owner or lessee of a civil aircraft shall use the civil aircraft within the scope specified in the airworthiness certificate, properly perform maintenance and upkeep of the civil aircraft, and ensure that the civil aircraft remains in an airworthy condition; if civil aviation products and parts require maintenance, such maintenance shall be carried out by organizations or persons holding the relevant approvals in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Article 34 Any entity engaged in the design, production, import, maintenance, or flight activities of civil unmanned aircraft shall, in accordance with relevant State provisions, apply to the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council for airworthiness approval, except where such approval is not required in accordance with regulations.
Any organization engaged in the production of civil unmanned aircraft shall, in accordance with relevant State provisions, assign a unique product identification code to the unmanned aircraft it produces.
Article 35 The State Council shall formulate provisions on the airworthiness management of civil aircraft in accordance with this Law.
Chapter III Aviation Personnel
Section 1 General Rules
Article 36 For the purposes of this Law, “aviation personnel” means the following flight crew members and ground personnel engaged in civil aviation activities:
(1) Flight crew members, including pilots, flight engineers, cabin crew members, and aviation security officers; and
(2) Ground personnel, including civil aircraft maintenance personnel, air traffic controllers, flight dispatchers, aeronautical telecommunication personnel, aeronautical information personnel, and aeronautical meteorological personnel.
Article 37 Cabin crew members shall receive specialized training and obtain training qualification certificates issued by public air transport enterprises. Other aviation personnel shall receive specialized training, pass the relevant examinations, and obtain licenses issued by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council before performing their respective duties.
Flight crew members and air traffic controllers shall, prior to obtaining licenses or training qualification certificates, undergo medical examinations conducted by medical institutions meeting the requirements of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, and obtain medical certificates issued by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Article 38 When engaged in flight activities, pilots, flight engineers, and aviation security officers shall carry their licenses and medical certificates, and cabin crew members shall carry their training qualification certificates and medical certificates. All such licenses and certificates shall be subject to inspection by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Article 39 Aviation personnel shall undergo training and periodic or ad hoc inspections and assessments in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, and may continue to perform their duties only upon passing such inspections and assessments.
The employing entities of aviation personnel shall establish and improve labor protection and health management systems for aviation personnel in accordance with regulations, to ensure that aviation personnel maintain sound physical and mental conditions.
Article 40 Organizations providing licensing and qualification training for civil aircraft pilots, maintenance personnel, and flight dispatchers shall apply for and obtain the corresponding permits in accordance with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, and shall conduct training within the permitted scope and in accordance with training programs.
Article 41 Flight simulation training devices used to meet the training, examination, or inspection requirements for civil aircraft pilots shall be appraised by the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council and obtain flight simulation training device certificates before being put into use.
Section 2 Flight Crew
Article 42 The flight crew of a civil aircraft shall consist of the pilot-in-command and other flight crew members. The pilot-in-command shall be a pilot possessing the technical competence and experience to operate independently the type of civil aircraft concerned.
The composition and number of flight crew members shall comply with the provisions of the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council.
Article 43 The operation of a civil aircraft shall be under the responsibility of the pilot-in-command. The pilot-in-command shall strictly perform his or her duties and ensure the safety of the civil aircraft and the persons and property carried thereon.
All persons on board the civil aircraft shall comply with the orders issued by the pilot-in-command within the scope of his or her authority.
Article 44 Prior to flight, the pilot-in-command shall conduct the necessary inspections of the civil aircraft; no takeoff shall be made without such inspections.
Where the pilot-in-command finds that the civil aircraft, airport conditions, meteorological conditions, or other relevant factors do not comply with applicable requirements and cannot ensure flight safety, he or she shall have the right to refuse takeoff.
Article 45 During flight, in the event of any act that damages the civil aircraft, disrupts order on board, endangers the safety of persons or property on board, or otherwise jeopardizes flight safety, the pilot-in-command shall have the authority, subject to ensuring safety, to take reasonable measures, including necessary restraint and control measures, and may request or authorize passengers to provide assistance, where necessary.
During flight, in the event of special circumstances, the pilot-in-command shall have the authority to take such measures as are necessary with respect to the civil aircraft in order to ensure the safety of the civil aircraft and the persons on board.
Article 46 Where the pilot-in-command finds that any member of the flight crew is unfit to perform flight duties, he or she shall have the authority to propose adjustments in order to ensure flight safety.
Article 47 In the event of distress to a civil aircraft, the pilot-in-command shall have the authority to take all necessary measures and to direct the flight crew members and other persons on board to carry out rescue operations. In an emergency requiring evacuation of the distressed civil aircraft, the pilot-in-command shall take measures to organize passengers to leave the civil aircraft safely as a priority; without the permission of the pilot-in-command, flight crew members shall not leave the civil aircraft without authorization; the pilot-in-command shall be the last to leave the civil aircraft.
Article 48 Where an accident occurs to a civil aircraft, the pilot-in-command shall promptly and truthfully report the accident to the competent civil aviation authority under the State Council, either directly or through the air traffic control unit.
Article 49 Where the pilot-in-command receives a distress signal from a vessel or another aircraft, or discovers a vessel, aircraft, or persons in distress, he or she shall promptly report the distress situation to the nearest air traffic control unit and provide such reasonable assistance as may be possible.
Article 50 Where, during flight, the pilot-in-command is unable to perform his or her duties for any reason, the pilot next in command shall act as the pilot-in-command; before departure from the next stop, the owner or lessee of the civil aircraft shall designate a new pilot-in-command to assume duties.
Article 51 Where a civil aircraft is operated by a single pilot and no other flight crew members are required, the provisions of this Section concerning the pilot-in-command shall apply to such pilot.
Chapter IV Civil Airports
Section 1 General Rules
Article 52 For the purposes of this Law, “civil airport” means a designated area used for the takeoff, landing, taxiing, parking, and other activities of civil aircraft, including associated buildings, installations, and facilities.
Civil airports are classified into public air transport airports (hereinafter referred to as “transport airports”) and general aviation airports (hereinafter referred to as “general airports”).
Measures for the administration of joint military/civil airports shall be separately formulated by the State Council and the Central Military Commission.
The use and administration of temporary takeoff and landing sites shall be governed by the relevant State provisions.
Article 53 The planning, construction, and operation of civil airports shall be carried out in a coordinated manner with a rational layout, shall comply with national defense requirements in accordance with the law, and safety levels and operational efficiency shall be improved, and the development of civil aviation shall be promoted in coordination with ecological and environmental protection.
Article 54 The local people's governments at or above the county level shall incorporate the site selection and master planning of civil airports within their respective administrative regions into territorial spatial planning at the corresponding level in a coordinated manner, and shall, in accordance with the law, exercise planning control over surrounding areas based on the needs of airport operational safety, national defense, and ecological and environmental protection, and designate areas where the construction of noise-sensitive buildings is prohibited or restricted.
Article 55 For the construction or expansion of a civil airport, the local people's government at or above the county level where the airport is located shall issue a project construction announcement.
The announcement referred to in the preceding paragraph shall be published in major local media and posted in areas surrounding the proposed site of the airport construction or expansion.
Article 56 The relevant local people's governments at the place where a civil airport is located shall, in conjunction with the regional civil aviation administration, designate civil airport obstacle clearance protection zones in accordance with relevant State provisions and make them public.
The following acts that affect obstacle clearance protection are prohibited within the civil airport area and the obstacle clearance protection zones designated in accordance with the law:
(1) Constructing shooting ranges, warehouses for highly explosive materials, or other buildings or facilities that affect flight safety;
(2) Constructing buildings or facilities that do not comply with obstacle clearance requirements;
(3) Installing lights, lasers, signs, or objects that affect the use of visual navigation aids at the airport;
(4) Planting vegetation that affects flight safety or the use of airport navigation aids;
(5) Releasing birds that affect flight safety, or launching unmanned free balloons, tethered balloons, or other airborne objects;
(6) Emitting large quantities of smoke, dust, flames, exhaust gases, or other substances that affect flight safety; and
(7) Other acts prohibited by laws or administrative regulations.
Article 57 The local radio administration authorities at the place where a civil airport is located shall, in conjunction with the regional civil aviation administration, designate electromagnetic environment protection zones for civil airports in accordance with relevant State provisions and standards on radio administration and make them public.
The following acts that affect the electromagnetic environment of civil airports are prohibited within the electromagnetic environment protection zones designated in accordance with the law:
(1) Establishing or using radio stations without approval;
(2) Installing or using equipment, instruments, or devices that affect the use of civil aviation radio stations;
(3) Constructing or installing railways, highways, embankments, power facilities, overhead metal lines, metal accumulations, or other structures or facilities that affect the use of civil aviation radio stations;
(4) Carrying out activities such as excavation, sand extraction, or stone quarrying that alter terrain and affect the propagation of civil aviation radio signals; and
(5) Other acts prohibited by laws or administrative regulations.
Article 58 Prior to the issuance of a civil airport project construction announcement, any buildings, structures, trees, lighting facilities, radio stations, or other obstacles that may affect flight safety and that exist within the designated civil airport area, obstacle clearance protection zones, or electromagnetic environment protection zones shall be removed within a prescribed time limit; if the parties fail to remove them within the time limit and still fail to do so after being urged, the people's government at or above the county level at the place where the airport is located shall remove them in accordance with the law.
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