China Shuts Down Most General Aviation After Beijing Tower Crash
Following a suspected intentional crash into Beijing’s 109-story tower, China has indefinitely grounded virtually all general aviation nationwide, excluding commercial and emergency flights. Private light aircraft, business jets, recreational flying, and pilot training have been suspended, with flight schools also halted as authorities reassess safety and security. The government is weighing stricter licensing, mental-health evaluations for pilots, and new certifications for flight schools; the situation is developing and viewed as a major disruption to China’s aviation ecosystem.