Massive China Military Drills Block Taiwan Airspace, Disrupting Global Commercial Flights
Key Points
- 1Over 850 international and domestic flights are affected by the two-day 'Justice Mission-2025' military drills around Taiwan's airspace.
- 2Taiwan's CAA estimates the disruption will impact more than 100,000 international air travelers in the Taipei Flight Information Region (FIR).
- 3China's issuance of a NOTAM with only one day's notice violates ICAO's recommended seven-day standard, raising serious regional flight safety concerns.
- 4The drills, which include live-fire exercises in seven designated areas with no upper altitude limit, simulate a blockade of key ports and areas around Taiwan.
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) launched large-scale military exercises around Taiwan. The drills, code-named 'Justice Mission-2025', began on Monday, sharply escalating regional tensions. Beijing described the operation as a stern warning against 'Taiwan independence' forces. The exercises involve the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force, simulating a blockade and precision strikes.
Aviation Operations Impact
Live-fire drills are scheduled for Tuesday, December 30, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time. These activities are taking place across five designated maritime and airspace zones encircling the island.
Taiwan's Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) confirmed the drills will severely restrict air routes. The measures affect the Taipei Flight Information Region (FIR).
The CAA estimates over 100,000 international passengers will be affected. This includes disruptions to hundreds of international flights.
Approximately 857 scheduled international and domestic flights face delays or diversions.
Airspace Restrictions and Safety
The Beijing International NOTAM Office issued Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) A4840/25. This notice designated seven hazardous restricted areas for live-fire activities. These zones carry no upper limit on flight altitude, posing a clear risk.
The CAA condemned the short notice, which was given only one day prior to the drills. Taiwan's authorities stated this violated International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. ICAO procedures recommend a minimum of seven days' advance notice for such route-affecting exercises.
Most of the 14 international routes within the Taipei FIR are now inaccessible. Air traffic control units in adjacent FIRs are coordinating flow control measures. Only a narrow northeast corridor, including routes R595, R583, and M750 to Japan, remains largely unaffected.
Commercial airlines have been instructed to carry extra fuel. This is necessary for potential diversions or holding patterns.
Domestic and Regional Flight Cancellations
The drills have led to the cancellation of over 80 domestic flights. These services primarily connect Taiwan proper with the outlying islands of Kinmen and Matsu.
Domestic carriers like UNI Air and Mandarin Airlines have canceled or adjusted services. This impacts approximately 6,000 domestic travelers.
Political Context and Military Response
The PLA's Eastern Theater Command spokesperson, Shi Yi, called the drills a "stern warning." The operation targets 'Taiwan independence' separatists and foreign interference.
Taiwan's military responded by placing its forces on high alert. The Republic of China Armed Forces conducted Rapid Response Exercises.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defence reported detecting 14 PLA warships and 14 Chinese Coast Guard vessels. The vessels were operating around Taiwan and its outlying islands.
The military show of force follows a recent large US arms sale to Taiwan. It also comes amid diplomatic friction involving Japan. China's Foreign Ministry stated the drills are a "punishment" for separatist forces.
These large-scale military actions create significant challenges for global air traffic control and regional flight safety. Stakeholders rely on clear, timely communication for safe operations. You can find more commercial aviation news at flying.flights. The lack of ICAO-recommended notice adds substantial risk to the already complex Taiwan Strait airspace.
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