News & Insights

On January 6, 2026, the National Civil Aviation Work Conference was held in Beijing. Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the conference fully implemented the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and its plenary sessions, earnestly carried out the arrangements of the Central Economic Work Conference and the requirements of the National Transportation Work Conference, systematically reviewed the work of civil aviation in 2025 and during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, coordinated and planned the work思路 for the 15th Five-Year Plan period, and studied and deployed the main tasks for 2026. Liu Wei, Minister of Transport, attended the conference and delivered a speech. Song Zhiyong, Director of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), delivered a work report entitled "Consolidate Foundations, Make Comprehensive Efforts, and Ensure a Good Start for the 15th Five-Year Plan with Solid and Effective Work".The conference disclosed that in 2025, traditional general aviation completed 1.218 million flight hours. The total number of registered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) under real-name registration exceeded 3.28 million, with a cumulative flight time of 45.3 million hours, a year-on-year increase of nearly 70%. The CAAC formulated and promulgated implementation plans for the safe and orderly development of general aviation and low-altitude economy, issued type certificates for 6 types of unmanned aircraft, continuously optimized and improved the Unmanned Operation Management (UOM) platform for low-altitude operation supervision and services, and built and networked a total of 46 low-altitude flight service stations, initially forming a flight service network covering 23 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government.In 2026, civil aviation will promote the high-quality development of general aviation and low-altitude economy.This year, the CAAC will improve the policy system for low-altitude civil aviation, accelerate the development of the low-altitude flight service station network, and advance the construction of a low-altitude flight service and dispatch platform. It will also optimize and adjust unmanned aerial vehicle test areas (test bases), and expand low-altitude application scenarios in line with local conditions.Source: CAAC News

To guide drone users to conduct "safe flights" and ensure the safe and sound development of the low-altitude economy, eight municipal departments including the Nanjing Municipal Bureau of Transportation, Public Security Bureau, and Development and Reform Commission have recently jointly issued the *Interim Measures for the Safety Management of Civil Unmanned Aircraft Low-Altitude Flights in Nanjing* (hereinafter referred to as the "Measures"). The Measures will take effect on February 1, 2026 and remain valid until January 31, 2028.The new rules clearly define 11 categories of illegal flight activities, establish a full-process safety management system, and can provide convenient services for flight users through dedicated platforms and mini-programs.PART.01Key FeaturesClear Definition of "Illegal Flights". The Measures specify 11 categories of violations, including flying without real-name registration, operating without a valid license, and flying in controlled airspace without approval, making illegal flight behaviors clearly identifiable.Comprehensive Guidance for "Safe Flights". Comprising 7 chapters and 34 articles, the Measures establish a full-process service and management system for "safe flights", covering pre-flight preparations, airspace safety conditions, in-flight conduct, proactive safety prevention, and joint safety governance.Strong Emphasis on "Service-Oriented Flying". The Measures highlight Nanjing’s service support capabilities. Through an efficient military-civilian coordination mechanism and professional management service institutions, Nanjing provides full-process services for compliant low-altitude flights, including airspace and route applications, flight plan scheduling, convenient operations, operational identification, information consultation, and aeronautical information bulletins. In 2025, a total of 389,000 compliant flights were supported, totaling 85,000 hours.PART.02How to Fly Compliantly?Real-Name Registration. Complete real-name registration on the UOM Platform (https://uom.caac.gov.cn or the official mobile app) and the Nanjing Low-Altitude Flight Service Platform (www.njdk.org.cn).Licensed Operation. Drone operators shall hold a valid pilot license, except for those operating micro or light civil drones and conducting routine agricultural drone operations.Fly Within Authorized Airspace. Flight activities in controlled airspace must be approved by air traffic management authorities. Flights of micro, light, and small drones in eligible airspace do not require application.Comply with Altitude Limits