What Changed
- Zone A (New Territories North) prohibits unmanned aircraft, paragliding, airships, kites, captive balloons, and mass balloon releases without special permission.
- Zone B (territory-wide) bans all non-Government Flying Service helicopters and light aircraft.
- CAD notified airlines and pilots via an AIP Supplement and updated the 'eSUA' portal for small unmanned aircraft.
In connection with the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting taking place in Shenzhen, the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) have reminded the public about the establishment of temporary restricted flying zones (RFZs) throughout Hong Kong SAR. The temporary flight restrictions will remain in effect from 12:01 am on November 17 to 11:59 pm on November 20, 2026.
The public notice directly impacts individuals, recreational flyers, drone operators, general aviation pilots, and commercial air transport operators in Hong Kong SAR. The measures cover two main restriction categories:
First, the New Territories North temporary RFZ (Zone A) covers specific geographical areas detailed in Annex 1. Within Zone A, several flying activities are prohibited: unmanned aircraft (except those with special permission jointly granted by the HKPF and the CAD), paragliding, airships, kites, captive balloons, and the mass release of balloons.
Second, the territory-wide temporary RFZ (Zone B) applies across the entirety of Hong Kong, with exact coverage detailed in Annex 2. Within Zone B, all helicopters and light aircraft are prohibited from undertaking any flying activities. The only exemption granted under Zone B applies to the Government Flying Service.
To ensure widespread notice and regulatory awareness, the CAD has formally promulgated details of both temporary RFZs to airlines and pilots via an Aeronautical Information Publication Supplement. Additionally, the CAD has uploaded specific details concerning small unmanned aircraft restrictions onto 'eSUA', the dedicated electronic portal for small unmanned aircraft.
Enforcement and penal consequences were explicitly highlighted by the authorities. The HKPF and the CAD reminded members of the public that conducting flying activities within the designated temporary RFZs without special permission constitutes an offence. Upon conviction, individuals who violate these rules are liable to a fine and imprisonment. Authorities strongly urge members of the public not to defy the law.
Who May Be Affected
Pilots, commercial airlines, drone operators, helicopter and light aircraft operators, and members of the public conducting flying activities in Hong Kong SAR.
Cross-Border Context
Cross-border aviation and security coordination between Shenzhen (mainland China) and Hong Kong SAR for the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.
What to check next
- Check CAD Aeronautical Information Publication Supplement
- Check electronic portal for small unmanned aircraft (eSUA)
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.