China halts drone shows across the country as airspace controls tighten

China has halted drone performances across the country as the government tightens scrutiny of low-altitude aviation. Scheduled drone shows at tourist attractions and events in 11 provinces and regions, including Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Shandong, Guangdong, and Hainan, were cancelled last week without clear reasons. The cancellations occurred as Beijing heightened control over drones and general aviation aircraft following a crash that killed a pilot and injured 13 people in June.

Many cancellations mentioned compliance with airspace controls, but specific details were not provided. Some provinces, like Guizhou and Zhejiang, cited adverse weather from Typhoon Dolphin as the reason for cancellations, despite the typhoon affecting southeastern coastal areas. An anonymous drone company document reportedly cited an order from the People's Liberation Army’s Southern Theatre Command to suspend drone flights across six provinces, though verification was unavailable.

China is focusing on the "low-altitude economy," which includes drone operations in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The government is tightening risk management for drones due to growing concerns. In June, a general aviation training school reported nationwide suspensions and mandatory safety training following a light plane crash in Beijing.

Since May, public security approval is required for drone sales, rentals, and transportation in Beijing. China has imposed bans on civilian drone flights in central areas of over 15 major cities, impacting infrastructure inspection plans in Shanghai. The country's top legislature amended the Public Security Administration Punishments Law to classify drone misuse as endangering public security, with severe penalties for serious cases.