China Overflight & Landing Permits: Full Guide to Procedures and Regulations
If you operate a business jet, cargo flight, or commercial airline planning to fly through China airspace, obtaining an China Overflight Permit from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) is mandatory. China is classified as a PRC (Politically Restricted Country), which means extended lead times apply — both for flights operating within China and for flights to/from any other PRC country transiting Chinese airspace. Early submission of documentation is critical.
JetStream International manages CAAC permit applications and full trip support for China 24/7. Contact us at ops@jsid.aero as early as possible to avoid delays.
What are the CAAC operating hours for China overflight and landing permits?
- Monday to Friday: 0100Z to 0900Z (09:00–17:00 Beijing Time)
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Hours may vary on Chinese public holidays including Golden Week (October) and Chinese New Year. JetStream International is available 24/7 for coordination outside CAAC office hours.
Is China a PRC country and what does that mean for lead times?
China is classified as a PRC (Politically Restricted Country) by aviation permit authorities worldwide. This has two important implications:
- Flights operating to, from, or through China require extended processing times from CAAC
- Flights to/from China that transit other countries' airspace also trigger PRC lead times at those CAAs (e.g. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh)
| Processing Time | Permit Type |
|---|---|
| 3–4 Working Days | China Overflight Permit (Monday–Friday) |
| 7–10 Working Days | China Landing Permit (Monday–Friday) |
Always submit documentation well in advance, especially around Chinese public holidays when CAAC is closed for extended periods.
Why use JetStream International for China overflight and landing permits?
Our team of aviation experts ensures smooth and efficient handling of all CAAC requirements. With in-depth knowledge of China's complex aviation regulations, we manage overflight and landing permit applications, ensuring timely approvals and full compliance for scheduled, charter, cargo, medevac, and VIP flights. Our 24/7 operations center tracks your application and flags any issues before they become delays.
What documents are required for a China overflight and landing permit?
Flight Details:
- Complete Flight Schedule (date, time, route)
- Entry and exit points through Chinese FIRs
- ATS routing through Chinese airspace
- Aircraft registration and type
Purpose of the Flight:
- Commercial, private, cargo, medevac, or humanitarian
- Lead Passenger Details (Passenger flights only)
- Consignee and Consignor details (Cargo flights only)
- Passenger Manifest with nationality and passport details
Operator Information:
- Name of the operator
- Contact information (phone, email)
- Operator's IATA/ICAO code
Crew Details:
- Total crew with names, nationalities, and positions
- Crew General Declaration (Gen Dec)
- Pilot licence and qualifications
- Passport numbers and expiry dates
Aircraft Documents:
- Air Operator Certificate (AOC) — Private aircraft AOC not required
- Certificate of Airworthiness (COA)
- Certificate of Insurance (COI)
- Certificate of Registration (COR)
- Noise Certificate (CON)
- Aircraft Radio Licence
Overflight Payment and Navigation Fees:
- Confirmation of payment for overflight and navigation fees
- Evidence of any outstanding fees cleared
Requirements may vary by flight type. JetStream International will guide you through the full documentation checklist for your specific operation.
Are there official CAAC processing fees for China overflight permits?
Officially, "NO CAAC Processing Fees" are charged by the Civil Aviation Administration of China for the issuance of overflight permits or landing permits.
What is the validity of a China overflight and landing permit?
- China Overflight Permit: Valid for +24 hours from the approved schedule
- China Landing Permit: Valid for +24 hours from the approved schedule
What does a China overflight permit number look like?
The China overflight clearance number must be inserted in Item 18 of your ATC Flight Plan.
Sample China Overflight Permit Format:
China Overflight Clearance: CAD/V2723
Who handles the China overflight air navigation bill?
China CAA issues air navigation bills directly to airlines and operators through IATA. Outstanding navigation fees must be cleared before a new permit can be issued.
How many Flight Information Regions (FIRs) exist in China airspace?
China airspace has ten Flight Information Regions (FIRs) — more than any other country in Asia.
China FIR ICAO Codes: ZBPE, ZGJD, ZGZU, ZHWH, ZJSA, ZLHW, ZPKM, ZSHA, ZWUQ, ZYSH
Who issues China overflight and landing permits?
Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC)
Postal Address: CAAC Headquarters, 155 Dongsi Xidajie, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100710, China
What categories of China overflight and landing permits does JetStream offer?
| Overflight & Landing Permits | Scheduled Commercial Flights |
| Non-Scheduled Commercial Flights | Scheduled Cargo Flights |
| Non-Scheduled Cargo Flights | Charter or Private Flights |
| Seasonal Block Overflight Permits | Monthly Block Permits |
| Humanitarian Flights | Air Ambulance / Medevac Flights |
| VIP / Government / Diplomatic Flights | Airport Parking Slot Arrangement |
Which airports in China offer ground handling services through JetStream?
- ZBAA / PEK — Beijing Capital International Airport
- ZBAD / PKX — Beijing Daxing International Airport
- ZSPD / PVG — Shanghai Pudong International Airport
- ZSSS / SHA — Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
- ZGGG / CAN — Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
- ZGSZ / SZX — Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport
- ZUUU / CTU — Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
- ZUCK / CKG — Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
- ZHHH / WUH — Wuhan Tianhe International Airport
- ZSAM / XMN — Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
- ZPPP / KMG — Kunming Changshui International Airport
- ZLXY / XIY — Xi'an Xianyang International Airport
China Neighbouring Countries — Overflight Permits
China borders 14 countries and its ten FIRs interface with airspace across Central, South, Southeast, and East Asia. Flights routing through China frequently require coordinated permits for multiple countries. JetStream International handles multi-country permit coordination across the entire region.
India Overflight Permits
Required for all airlines, private jets, cargo, and passenger flights through Indian airspace.
India PermitPakistan Overflight Permits
Required for all airlines, private jets, cargo, and passenger flights through Pakistani airspace.
Pakistan PermitMongolia Overflight Permits
Required for all airlines, private jets, cargo, and passenger flights through Mongolian airspace.
Mongolia PermitAt JetStream International, our highly professional flight support team with over 15 years of experience has the commercial, technical, and regulatory knowledge to handle your flight in the shortest possible time at any civil airport in China. We reduce the inconveniences of international flights — including CAAC permit applications, escorting passengers and crew through customs and immigration, and arranging third-party services.
Our services include: international trip planning, overflight permits, landing permits, ground handling, real-time flight watch, Jet A-1 fuel, catering uplift, weather & NOTAMs, crew hotel, and any other services requested by the airline or operator.
Let us handle the details so you can focus on your mission. Contact our 24/7 operations team to get a quote or coordinate your next flight.
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