Unofficial Translation for Reference Only

  The Notice on Standardizing Scheduled International Passenger Flight Plan Management during Regular COVID-19 Prevention and Control

To All Transport Airlines,

To further standardize the pre-flight plan management of scheduled international flights, protect the legitimate rights and interests of consumers, and implement relevant provisions in the Measures for Administration of Civil Aviation Pre-Flight Plans (CCAR-73), the following requirements shall be observed:

1. Strengthening flight plan management. All airlines concerned shall conscientiously implement COVID-19 prevention and control policies adopted by the points of origin, stopovers and destinations, develop an overall plan for the assignment of capacity and crew members, and tighten flight plan management, in an effort to ensure the stable operation of scheduled international passenger flights. Also, it is essential to release in a timely manner the information on flight changes and provide such services as passenger notification, ticket change/refund, as well as accommodation.

2. Implementing the practice of filing with authorities. Except for the flights cut as a result of circuit breaker measures, airlines should, in case of flight cancellation, file with CAAC and relevant Chinese embassies and consulates at least 48 hours prior to the cancellation. The information to be filed includes but not limited to: changes in the pre-flight plan, reasons for flight cancellation, tickets changed/refunded, and follow-up services for passengers who have purchased tickets. Where an airline fails to submit relevant information as required or the rights and interests of consumers are infringed due to improper handling of canceled flights, it shall be recorded in the industry credit management system as per the provisions in the Civil Aviation Industry Credit Management Measures (for trial implementation) (No. 136 [2017] by CAAC).

3. Standardizing the filing procedures. It’s stated in paragraph 2 of Article 4 in the Measures for the Administration of Civil Aviation Pre-Flight Plans (CCAR-73) that in case of cancellation of scheduled international passenger flights during the pandemic, airlines are required to submit information on pre-flight plan following relevant procedures and fill in the flight cancellation record form (see attachment) which shall be sent via fax (010-64092149) to the Operation Supervisory Center of CAAC. To get information on how to file with Chinese embassies and consulates, airlines shall make contact by themselves.

This Notice shall enter into force as of the date of its issuance and remain effective until the pandemic ends or CAAC issues an invalidation notice.

Civil Aviation Administration of China

December 16, 2020

Attachment: Record Form of the Cancellation of Scheduled International Passenger Flights During the Pandemic