2 Week Ban On Flights Over Tiananmen Square

As of 2 March 2010 all non-commuter flights have been banned within 120 mi/200 km of Tiananmen Square as the Chinese government prepares to host the annual session of the National People's Congress, which begins on 5 March and continues until 15 March. The ban covers aircraft used for entertainment and sports, as well as model planes and balloons. Runways at Beijing's flying club have been closed. Ground security has also been increased ahead of the political meeting, with security checks on traffic in Beijing being implemented. Additional transportation restrictions have also been reported; drivers of cars registered outside of Beijing who need to travel inside the Fifth Ring Road are required to apply for a permit. The transportation of hazardous materials in the city has also been banned for the next two weeks.