Who is responsible for the routine management of civil aviation within the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region?

The routine management of civil aviation within the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is the responsibility of the HKSAR government itself. This aligns with the principles of the "one country, two systems" framework, which grants HKSAR a high degree of autonomy in managing its own affairs.

The Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (CAD) operates under the governance of the HKSAR and is tasked with overseeing all aspects of civil aviation, including regulatory and safety standards, airport operations, and the development of aviation policy. This localized responsibility is reflected in the Basic Law of Hong Kong, which emphasizes that the region can establish its own regulatory bodies and frameworks.

The other entities mentioned do not have a direct role in the day-to-day management of civil aviation in Hong Kong. While the Central People's Government has overarching sovereignty over Hong Kong, it does not directly manage its civil aviation operations. The International Civil Aviation Organization focuses on international standards and regulations for civil aviation globally but does not exercise direct control over any specific jurisdiction such as Hong Kong. Similarly, the World Trade Organization deals with international trade issues and has no involvement in civil aviation management.