China’s aviation regulator has barred Emirates from adding new destinations or aircraft in the country for six months and fined the carrier 29,000 yuan (about $4,270).
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) imposed the penalty after investigating two safety incidents that took place on April 17 and May 18. The first incident involved an Emirates aircraft that flew at an incorrect altitude while operating near Urumqi in Xinjiang. The second incident involved a loss of communication between another Emirates flight and air traffic control while the aircraft was in Chinese airspace.
Emirates responded with a statement emphasizing its commitment to safety, saying, “Emirates will never compromise on the safety of our passengers and crew. Safety is our number one priority at all times.” The airline added that it complies with the CAAC’s operational requirements in China and that it will cooperate fully with the authority’s investigation and complete any recommended corrective actions related to the incidents on April 17, 2017 and May 18, 2017.
Before the CAAC action, Emirates had planned to upgrade its services to Beijing (PEK) and Shanghai (PVG) to an all-Airbus A380 schedule beginning July 1. Those plans are now affected by the regulator’s temporary restriction.
The CAAC’s decision highlights the strict oversight the Chinese regulator applies to foreign carriers operating in its airspace. Airlines found to have breached operational or communication protocols can face fines, restrictions on route expansion, and temporary limits on fleet deployment within China while corrective measures are implemented and verified.
Emirates said it will undertake the steps requested by the CAAC and continue to prioritize compliance and safety in its China operations. The airline’s cooperation with the investigation and its adherence to recommended actions will determine when the restrictions might be lifted and whether any additional measures will be required.
Passengers traveling on Emirates routes to and from China are advised to monitor official communications from the airline for updates on schedules and aircraft type changes as the carrier implements the regulator’s directives and completes the necessary safety checks.