Govt Moves To Tighten Safety Near Airports, Releases Draft Rules For Demolition Of Obstructions

Last Updated:June 19, 2025, 14:54 IST

In case of continued non-compliance, the matter will be referred to the District Collector, who must ensure the necessary action is taken.

The new draft rules come in the wake of the Ahmedabad plane crash. (Reuters)

In a decisive response to the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued draft rules aimed at regulating structures that pose risks near airports. Titled the Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025, the draft was released on June 18 and will come into force once notified in the official gazette.

The rules empower aerodrome authorities to act against buildings or trees that exceed permissible height limits in designated airport zones. “Where any notification has been issued by the Central Government under sub-section (1) of section 18 of the Act… the officer-in-charge of the aerodrome concerned shall serve a copy of the notification on the owner of the building or tree," the draft states.

If a structure violates these norms, owners will be required to submit details, including site plans and dimensions within sixty days. Non-compliance could trigger enforcement action such as demolition or height reduction. The officer-in-charge will also forward violations to the Director General or authorised officers.

Authorities will be allowed to physically verify the site after providing reasonable prior notice. “He shall be empowered to enter the premises… during daylight hours," the draft notes, adding that the owner must cooperate.

In case of continued non-compliance, the matter will be referred to the District Collector, who must ensure the necessary action is taken. Appeals can be made to designated officers with a Rs 1,000 fee. However, compensation will only be considered for those complying with orders under section 22 of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024.

Public feedback on the draft has been invited within twenty days of its publication.

On June 12, Air India flight AI-171—a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London—crashed shortly after takeoff, hitting the BJ Medical College complex in Ahmedabad. The crash killed 241 of the 242 onboard, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

Abhro Banerjee

Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ...Read More

Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ...

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