600 high-rise ‘obstacles’ found near Lucknow airport

LUCKNOW: The Airport Authority of India (AAI) on Thursday released a list -Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) supplement -which revealed that 624 obstacles, some towering up to 170 meters above mean sea level, have cluttered around Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (CCSIA) obstacle limitation surface (OLS) area.Survey, covering a 20-km radius from the airport’s reference point, pinpointed 319 buildings, 214 trees, three electric traction frames, seven cellphone masts, hoardings, light poles, antennas, cranes, and even a mosque speaker threatening flight paths.Report was released on the official website of Aeronautical Information Management https://aim-india.aai.aero.The report is important in view of the Air India Boeing Dreamliner's crash in Ahmedabad on the same day.

The illfated aircraft had climbed to 625 feet (190 meters) when it crashed into a medical college boys’ hostel, a structure that allegedly breached height restrictions. The crash sent shockwaves across the world, at the same time underscoring the dangers of unchecked urban sprawl near airports.In Lucknow, the AIP report detailed risks around CCSIA’s 27/09 runway, oriented toward Bijnor and Kanpur highway. Within 2,250 meters of the airport, any construction requires an AAI-issued No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Between 4 and 6.1 km, structures must not exceed 155–165 meters above mean sea level, and up to 9.1 km, heights are capped at 185–205 meters. With CCSIA sitting at 123 meters above sea level, these limits are critical to ensure safe takeoffs and landings.‘Safety non-negotiable in aviation sector’A former director from Uttar Pradesh’s civil aviation department, said: “Safety is non-negotiable in the aviation sector.

These norms are rigorous because lives are at stake. The AIP report will be scrutinised before any action is taken.”Meanwhile, another official, speaking anonymously, explained the airport’s proactive measures. “Our airport environment management committee reviews safety annually or half yearly. Based on their findings, authorities like Lucknow Municipal Corporation, Lucknow Development Authority and others take actions including demolishing unauthorized structures—meat markets, illegal high-rise buildings, or risky towers—that threaten flight operations.

”