Published by ChinaMNC · Jinzhai

Drone Ban Alert: What Foreign Founders Operating in Lu'an Need to Know About the October 2026 No-Fly Zone

A temporary airspace restriction will be in effect in Lu'an on October 17, 2026, for the opening ceremony of the Anhui Badminton League Finals. Foreign founders operating drones or other low-slow-small aircraft in the area must comply or face penalties. This article outlines the key details and practical steps.

What Foreign Founders Operating in Lu'an Need to Know About the October 2026 No-Fly Zone

Foreign founders running businesses in Lu'an, Anhui Province, should be aware of a temporary airspace restriction that will affect drone flights and other low-slow-small aircraft on October 17, 2026. The measure is being implemented to ensure air safety during the opening ceremony of the “Wanmei Sports Gala” 2026 Anhui Badminton League Finals, which will take place in the city that day.

The notice, issued by the Lu'an Municipal People's Government on October 15, 2026, and published on the government website, cites the Public Security Administration Punishments Law of the People's Republic of China and the Interim Regulations on the Administration of Unmanned Aircraft Flights as the legal basis for the temporary airspace control. For foreign founders, this means that any drone operations—whether for business promotion, site surveys, or recreational use—must be carefully planned to avoid violations.

Key Details of the Temporary Airspace Control

1. Aircraft Subject to Control

The notice defines “low-slow-small” aircraft broadly. It includes, but is not limited to, all types of unmanned aircraft and model aircraft as specified in the Interim Regulations. The list covers 14 categories:

Light and ultralight aircraft
Light helicopters
Gliders
Trikes
Powered trikes
Paragliders
Powered parachutes
Hot air balloons
Airships
Drones (unmanned aerial vehicles)
Aeromodels
Space models
Free balloons
Captive balloons

Drones are specifically highlighted as the primary focus of control. Foreign founders who use drones for commercial purposes—such as real estate photography, agricultural monitoring, or event coverage—must pay particular attention.

2. Time of the Restriction

The no-fly period is set for October 17, 2026, from 7:00 to 19:00. All operations of the listed aircraft are prohibited during these hours within the designated area, unless prior approval is obtained.

3. Geographical Area Affected

The restricted zone is centered on the Lu'an Sports Center Stadium and extends to the area enclosed by the following four roads (inclusive of the roads themselves): Chibi Road, Qingtong Road, Qimenyan Road, and Binhe Avenue. This is a defined perimeter, and founders should check whether their business premises or planned flight locations fall within it. A schematic map is available on the government website.

Rules for Operations During the Restriction

General Prohibition

During the specified time and within the designated area, no unit, organization, or individual may take off, land, or fly any of the listed low-slow-small aircraft without approval. This applies to all foreign-owned enterprises and their employees.

Exceptions for Essential Flights

Certain flights may be permitted if they are necessary for official live broadcasting, television transmission, official aerial photography, police security, or emergency rescue. In such cases, the unit or organization must apply in advance to the Lu'an Municipal Public Security Bureau. Flights can only proceed after approval and must be conducted within the approved time and area.

Foreign founders who believe they have a legitimate need for drone flights during this period—for example, to cover a sponsored event—should initiate the application process with the Public Security Bureau as early as possible. The notice does not specify a deadline, so early contact is advisable.

Enforcement and Penalties

During the event, public security authorities will conduct patrols and will be equipped with counter-drone measures. Violations may result in measures such as expulsion, forced landing, or seizure of the aircraft. Authorities will handle violations in accordance with the Public Security Administration Punishments Law and the Interim Regulations on the Administration of Unmanned Aircraft Flights. If the circumstances are serious enough to constitute a crime, criminal liability may be pursued.

Any unit or individual who discovers a violation of the notice can report it to the public security authorities. The notice provides a contact: Officer Fu, telephone 18860490358.

Practical Guidance for Foreign Founders

For foreign founders operating in China, compliance with local regulations is essential. Here are steps to consider:

Assess your exposure: Determine whether your business activities involve drones or other listed aircraft within the restricted area and time. If your office or project site is within the enclosed roads, plan accordingly.
Apply for approval if needed: If you have a legitimate need to fly for official purposes, submit an application to the Lu'an Municipal Public Security Bureau well in advance. Be prepared to explain the purpose, time, and location of the flight.
Inform your team: Ensure that any employees or contractors who might operate drones are aware of the restriction and understand that unauthorized flights are prohibited.
Consider alternative dates or locations: If possible, reschedule drone operations to avoid the restricted period or conduct them outside the designated area.
Stay informed: Check the official government website for any updates or changes to the notice.

Foreign founders should also note that this is a temporary measure specific to the event. However, it reflects broader trends in China's regulation of low-slow-small aircraft, including drones. Compliance with such notices is part of maintaining good standing with local authorities.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.