Drone Owners Rush to Offload Devices Ahead of Beijing Ban
Owners are rushing to approved buy-back sites as subsidies reach 30% of resale value and the city gives them until Nov. 15 to comply.
- Beijingers flocked to designated buy-back sites this week to sell their drones before a citywide possession ban takes effect in November, with queues visible at the DJI store and other approved locations.
- A light aircraft crashed into Beijing's tallest building in June, killing the pilot and injuring 13 others, prompting authorities to announce the complete ban on drone possession to "safeguard the security of the capital."
- Users can sell devices at approved buy-back points for a 30 percent government subsidy of resale value, capped at 3,000 yuan before October 31, with reduced 15 percent subsidies available until November 14.
- Drone hobbyist Zhu, 60, called the buy-back scheme "robbery" after losing thousands on his devices, as the large volume of sales has sent prices plummeting as much as 40 percent across the market.
- Estimating the total number of affected devices is difficult, though the Civil Aviation Administration reported 3.3 million drones registered nationwide at the end of 2025, highlighting the scope of Beijing's unprecedented ban.
14 Articles
14 Articles
They participate more or less willingly in an operation of an unusual kind: the recall, in the name of security in Beijing, of their aircraft now struck by a total ban in the capital. The flights, unless special authorization was given, and the sales of drones were already prohibited in Beijing. New rules announced in September now prohibit the holding or storage of a drone from 15 November. Owners can resell their drones at authorized points of…
From November 15th it will be forbidden to own, conserve or introduce drones in the Chinese capital, with some exceptions. The measure, among the strictest in the world, divides the Chinese public opinion between demands for greater security and fears for the economic consequences
AGI - In Beijing, many drone owners are trying to get rid of their devices quickly before the entry into force on November 15th, of a new ban that will prohibit not only the flight and the sale, already heavily limited, but also the simple possession or storage of drones in the capital. The new rules, announced in September, provide for an incentive repurchase program. Until October 31st, the owners will be able to receive a government contribut…
Starting Sunday, China will introduce a permanent 600-kilometer-wide air traffic restriction zone around Beijing, covering an area equivalent to 90 percent of Poland. Furthermore, a complete drone ban will take effect in the capital on November 15.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
