China to impose no-fly zone over Beijing after light aircraft crashed into city's tallest tower

China's skies are among the most tightly controlled in ​the world, with the military retaining primary authority over airspace access and allocation.

China will impose a no-fly zone over its capital and tighten a citywide drone ban, state media reports showed, months after a small aircraft crashed into Beijing's tallest building in a rare incident that raised questions about apparent security gaps in one of the world's most tightly controlled airspaces.

"To strengthen airspace security management in the capital region, maintain order in aerial operations, and protect important targets on the ground and the lives and property of the public ... China will designate a no-fly zone in and around the capital" to take effect on September 20, the state-run Beijing Daily said on Sunday.

Regular airline flights and emergency rescue operations would not be affected, the report said.

The exact scope, altitude limits and boundaries of the no-fly zone were not immediately clear.

The announcement came after a light general aviation aircraft crashed ​into the 108-story CITIC Tower, in the central business district, during evening rush hours on June 26. Local authorities said the crash killed the sole pilot and injured 13 others who were not on board.

Pilot is thought to have suffered from mental health issues

The pilot had deviated from his approved flight area and lost contact with the airport in Beijing's suburbs from which he took off. The 66-year-old man had long suffered from insomnia and anxiety, ​and his diary repeatedly mentioned ending his life, according to official statements.

Some companies offering scenic flights suspended services following the crash.

China's skies are among the most tightly controlled in ​the world, with the military retaining primary authority over airspace access and allocation. Beijing is among the most sensitive ​parts of that management framework.

There has been a permanent no-fly zone of roughly 100 sq km (39 sq miles) over the political ‌and ⁠ceremonial core of the Chinese capital, where regular commercial airline flights are also prohibited.

In a separate official statement over the weekend, Beijing authorities further tightened municipal drone restrictions, banning the possession, flying and storage of drones over the entire city from November 15.