New Delhi: In a significant move to enhance air safety, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued draft rules aimed at regulating and removing obstructions near airports. The proposal comes just days after the tragic Air India Flight AI171 crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which claimed the lives of 240 people, including passengers and civilians on the ground.
Titled Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions caused by Buildings and Trees etc.) Rules, 2025, the draft was released on Wednesday and outlines a stringent framework to identify and eliminate structures — such as tall buildings and trees — that pose potential threats to aircraft during takeoff and landing.
According to the draft, any unauthorized structures or trees within the notified zones surrounding airports will be flagged, and a formal notice will be issued to the respective owners. The officer in charge of the aerodrome is required to report such violations to the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) or a designated authority.
“If any building or tree is found to be in violation, a notification will be served to the owner following the prescribed procedure,” the rules state. “The aerodrome officer must immediately report the matter to the DGCA or an authorized official.”
Demolition for Non-Compliance
In cases where the owners fail to comply, the draft empowers District Collectors to initiate demolition or reduce the height of the offending structure, following procedures akin to actions taken against unauthorized constructions.
Aggrieved parties, however, will have the right to appeal before the First or Second Appellate Officer. These officers are authorized to review the case and pass appropriate orders after offering the appellant a chance to be heard.
The draft rules will take effect from the date they are published in the Official Gazette.
Background
The move follows heightened scrutiny of aviation safety standards after the Air India AI171 disaster on June 12 — one of the deadliest crashes in India’s aviation history. The aircraft went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, raising concerns about the airspace and ground-level safety measures around airports across the country.
Aviation experts have welcomed the government’s quick response, calling it a crucial step toward mitigating preventable risks near flight paths.
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