New Delhi: In the aftermath of the devastating Air India Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has unveiled a set of draft regulations aimed at curbing potential hazards posed by structures near airports. Titled the ‘Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025’, the proposed legislation seeks to enforce stricter control over buildings and natural obstructions that could interfere with safe aircraft operations.
The move comes days after an Air India Boeing 787-8, en route from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed into the BJ Medical College Hostel shortly after take-off, killing 241 people, including 33 on the ground. The incident has reignited concerns over safety compliance in airport zones, particularly regarding vertical encroachments in critical flight paths.
Under the new draft rules, any structure exceeding permissible height limits within notified aerodrome zones will receive a formal notice from the officer-in-charge. Upon receiving this notice, property owners will be required to submit site plans and structural details within 60 days. Failure to comply can lead to enforcement actions, including demolition or reduction in the height of the structure.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) or an authorised official will be empowered to issue demolition or trimming orders for any structure deemed to pose a risk. A further 60-day extension may be granted for compliance, but only on valid and documented grounds.
The draft rules also grant officials the authority to physically inspect properties during daylight hours, after notifying the concerned owners. If an owner refuses cooperation, the officer can proceed using available data and escalate the matter to the DGCA for action.
To ensure fairness, the draft outlines a clear appeals mechanism. Property owners who disagree with the demolition or trimming orders can approach either the First or Second Appellate Officer, submitting their case with supporting documents and a fee of ₹1,000.
An important clause in the draft stipulates that only those who comply with official orders will be eligible for compensation under Section 22 of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024. Furthermore, structures built in violation of height norms after the rules come into effect will not be eligible for any compensation, regardless of future compliance.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has invited public objections and suggestions within 20 days of the draft’s publication in the Official Gazette, signaling its intent to build consensus before implementation.
This regulatory overhaul is being viewed as a critical and proactive step toward preventing future air disasters by eliminating unauthorized vertical encroachments near airports. Aviation experts and safety advocates have long highlighted the risks posed by uncontrolled urban growth around airport perimeters, especially in densely populated Indian cities.
If enacted, the Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025 could mark a significant shift in how India addresses aviation safety, with a clear emphasis on preventive regulation and swift enforcement.
