Will China's Civil Aviation Law Revision Finally End Mass Flight Delays?

Chinese lawmakers are advancing a major revision to the nation's Civil Aviation Law. This move focuses heavily on strengthening air passenger rights protection. The draft revision was submitted for its third reading on Monday, December 22, 2025. This ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress(NPC) signals the law's nearing adoption.

The comprehensive overhaul aims to address key operational issues. It seeks to improve the overall quality and standards of civil aviation transport services. This legislative action follows years of rapid growth in China's aviation sector. However, this growth has also exposed vulnerabilities in airline and airport operations.

Mandates for Flight Delay Reduction

One central goal of the revision is flight delay reduction. China has historically faced challenges with on-time performance. In 2024, the country recorded one of the highest flight cancellation rates globally, at approximately 5%. Recent disruptions in late 2025 further highlighted the need for regulatory action.

The draft introduces specific operational mandates for carriers and airports. It stipulates that public air transport enterprises and airport operators must improve transport capacity planning. They are also required to optimize resource allocation. Furthermore, strengthening inspections and maintenance is mandated. These steps are designed to reduce delays and cancellations caused by internal factors. This is a significant shift toward holding operators more accountable.

Enhancing Passenger Information and Service

A key component of air passenger rights protection involves communication. The revised law requires operators to release information in a timely and accurate manner. This includes informing passengers about the reasons for flight delays or cancellations. Updates on flight operations must also be provided promptly. This provision aims to reduce passenger frustration and confusion during disruptions.

Additionally, the draft strengthens the protection of passenger rights and interests. It includes clear provisions on providing proper services to passengers. This is especially critical during severe disruptions. The new regulations are also expected to standardize airline compensation responsibilities for domestic and international carriers. This aligns China's standards more closely with international regulations.

Broader Civil Aviation Safety and Management

The China Civil Aviation Law revision is part of a broader effort. The draft contains 15 chapters and 255 articles, comprehensively revising the existing law. It strengthens the overall safety guarantee for civil aviation activities. It also grants the pilot-in-command greater authority in special circumstances.

• UAV Regulation: New provisions address airworthiness certification for unmanned aircraft. This supports the development of the 'low-altitude economy'.
• Airspace Management: The law clarifies the national air traffic management body's power. This body will administer the country's airspace resources and formulate relevant regulations. Improved airspace management is crucial for reducing air traffic control bottlenecks, a common cause of delays.
• Emergency Response: Aircraft engaged in firefighting and rescue missions are now explicitly excluded from the scope of civil aircraft. This streamlines emergency response operations.

This legislative action is vital for the continued high-quality development of China's civil aviation industry. It provides a strong legal framework for airlines, airports, and passengers. The focus on operational efficiency and passenger service is a major development in global commercial aviation news. The new law aims to balance industry growth with improved reliability and consumer trust. The enhanced penalties for actions disrupting civil aviation order also underscore a commitment to civil aviation safety standards.