On January 4, M503 northbound route and related connecting routes were put into operation.

M503 route is located in Shanghai Flight Information Region. Developing and launching this route is part of the routine work carried out by the civil aviation airspace management authority in China. Northbound flights on M503 route will strictly follow the announced flight path, while the southbound flights will continue to operate as usual. In 2007, ICAO assigned code M503 to this route. Operation accuracy, safety and reliability on this route are all in compliance with relevant ICAO specifications. In March 2015, M503 southbound route was opened and, in general, operated safely and steadily, which partially relieved the congestion on A470 route.

The rapid growth of flights in western Taiwan Strait airspace in recent years has caused increasingly serious delays. The launching of M503 northbound route and related connecting routes will effectively ease traffic pressure on the existing routes, and improve flight safety and regularity.

The route is a civil air route. Air traffic management authority in China’s mainland will keep its technical contact with the Taiwan side. The route, designed to avoid Jinmen – Taiwan and Mazu islands- Taiwan routes, can be operated to safety requirements.