Originally Posted by
safelife
Often not approved.
Because only the airways themselves are civilian airspace, so diversion off track means coordination with military ATC will be necessary.
The trick is to tell them you'll be holding on the airway, waiting for their clearance to avoid weather.
Either they provide it or eventually the cell will move off the airway...
ATC are not obligated anywhere to approve Wx deviation “requests”. If you request, and the request is disapproved, declare PAN PAN, and make the deviation. ATC will then approve you. Civil airspace is limited in China, ATC have their hands tied until you use the magic words PAN PAN.
No need for enroute holding, doing something like that will just result in a requirement to descend down low until you have no fuel left.
The hail damage is more likely due to people not being able to use a Wx radar properly.