Special Report – Civil aviation liberalisation – Will it fly?

Macau Business magazine l February 2026 | Special Report | Civil aviation liberalisation – Will it fly?

Slow-paced liberalisation

This month’s special report examines the entry into force, on 1 February, of the new Civil Aviation Law, which will gradually liberalise Macau’s airspace and encourage more companies to establish a presence in the city.

Thirty years of Air Macau’s monopoly are coming to an end. The airline has long served as Macau’s flag carrier, but that appears to have been its sole benefit.

Macau remains one of the last places in the world to liberalise commercial aviation, which speaks volumes about the pace of change.

Yet this liberalisation will be gradual. The law is designed to give Air Macau time to prepare for competition in the initial years, and it would not be surprising if, following models such as Singapore, the MSAR company launches a low-cost carrier before other entrants have the chance to move ahead.

The impact will also be felt in other areas, such as cargo, where at least one new operator has already applied for a licence. Competition in the Greater Bay Area, airport expansion, and effects on tourism are other topics explored in this report.

Co-ordinated by João Paulo Meneses (jpmeneses@macaubusiness.com)

Reshaping the skies

The law, which came into force on 1 February, is hailed by the government as a “significant step towards the liberalisation of Macau’s air transport market,” but legal experts warn that key questions remain unresolved

Will Air Macau follow Singapore or Malaysia?

Macau’s flagship carrier faces a pivotal moment as liberalisation opens the skies. Two regional models show contrasting paths, but both highlight the pressure from low-cost players

Hoping for more and cheaper flights

If trends observed elsewhere are repeated in Macau, the clear winners will be consumers and the tourism sector

A long-held dream: direct flights to Europe

Of all European destinations, Lisbon has consistently topped the wish list.

Civil aviation liberalisation – New players? Government to “prudently” assess timing

The end of Air Macau’s monopoly may be slower than residents anticipate, as the arrival of new home-based airlines is not just around the corner

Civil aviation liberalisation – The optimal strategy

Air Macau, low-cost carriers and full-service partners could unlock Macau’s tourism potential. The gradual liberalisation of the city’s airspace promises a more competitive, diversified, and thriving sector

Civil aviation liberalisation – GBA: Opportunities and challenges

Flying from Zhuhai has never been easier. Yet as regional integration deepens, competition intensifies—and the latest Policy Address outlines how Macau plans to respond

Civil aviation liberalisation: Hong Kong as inspiration

Those who believe Hong Kong has embraced full aviation liberalisation are mistaken. Despite being one of the world’s most sought-after airports, protectionist elements remain firmly in place—and they may continue to offer inspiration for Macau

“Building a more convenient air network will further attract overseas travellers to Macau”

Tammy Ku, one of the most authoritative voices in Macau’s commercial aviation sector, believes the revision of the Civil Aviation Law “will foster the healthy and sustainable growth of Macau’s aviation market.”