Following the tragic in Ahmedabad that killed 241 people, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has proposed new draft rules aimed at removing buildings and other structures near airports that pose risks to aircraft safety.
The move comes amid growing concern over obstacles in flight paths, particularly in the vicinity of airports.
The draft legislation, titled Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025, was issued on June 18 and will take effect once notified in the Official Gazette. It empowers authorities to identify and take action against high-rise buildings, tall trees, or any other structure that exceeds height limits in designated aerodrome zones.
As per the proposed rules, if any such violation is detected, the officer-in-charge of the concerned aerodrome will serve notice to the owner, asking them to submit structural details—including height and site plans—within 60 days. Failure to comply may lead to action including demolition or enforced reduction of height.
To verify violations, officials are authorised to physically inspect the site during daylight hours after providing reasonable notice. If access is denied, they may act based on existing information and escalate the case to the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Once a violation is confirmed, the District Collector will be responsible for implementing corrective action in accordance with established procedures for dealing with unauthorised constructions.
An appeal process is also outlined in the draft. Property owners may challenge the order by filing an appeal along with supporting documents and a fee of ₹1,000. However, only those who comply with the directives will be eligible for compensation under Section 22 of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024. Newly constructed non-compliant structures will not be entitled to any compensation.
The ministry has invited public objections or suggestions within 20 days of the draft’s publication. Submissions are to be directed to the DGCA.
The regulatory push follows the June 12 crash of a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which struck a hostel building of BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad’s Meghani Nagar area shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The crash left only one survivor among the 242 people onboard, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.