Civilian airliners to be allowed in military airspace

Civil aviation flights in northern China will be allowed in military-controlled airspace during thunderstorms in the latest move to reduce flight delays.

A new regulation, enacted on Tuesday, from the North China Air Traffic Management Bureau under the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the People's Liberation Army air force opened 25 temporary flight paths and one temporary airspace for civil aviation flights in northern China during thunderstorms.

The move, another major sign of cooperation between the civil aviation authority and the air force, is expected to reduce flight delays at Beijing Capital International Airport, whose flights are frequently affected by thunderstorms in summer and fall.