02 Aug 2022 | 10:41 AM UTC
China: Military drills to continue in the northern South China Sea through Aug. 6
China holding military drills in the South China Sea through Aug. 6. Regional flight, maritime delays possible. Confirm transport.
Event
The Chinese military is holding drills in the northern South China Sea, off the eastern coast of Haikou, Hainan Province, through Aug. 6. The zone is approximately 120 km (75 miles) east of Haikou and extends about 200 km (124 miles) southeastward. The Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) has banned civilian vessels from entering the area for the exercises' duration. It is unclear if the MSA notification applies to civilian aircraft.
The drills and associated exclusion zone may prompt minor regional maritime shipping delays. The exercises may restrict shipping traffic in waterways to Chinese ports in Haikou. Flight delays cannot be ruled out at airports in the region, especially Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK), and potentially, offshore helicopter services.
Advice
Plan for potential shipping congestion and delays. If possible, consider alternative transport for time-sensitive cargo. Confirm flights through Aug. 6 if traveling through HAK as a precaution.
