New Draft Rules to Tighten Control Over Airport Perimeter Zones

Strategic Insights -

The Ministry of Civil Aviation in India has released draft rules to enhance aircraft safety by regulating structures within a specific area around airports. The Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions caused by Buildings and Trees etc) Rules, 2025, comes in response to a recent air crash that killed 240 people, including passengers. The draft rules direct authorities to report and serve notices to owners of buildings or trees within restricted zones around airports. Non-compliance will lead to demolition or reduced building heights, with options for aggrieved owners to appeal.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ministry of Civil Aviation has released draft rules to control structures within a specified area around airports.
  • The rules aim to prevent obstructions that pose risks to aircraft safety following the Air India crash on June 12, 2023, which killed 240 people.
  • The draft rules direct authorities to report any buildings or trees present within specified areas around airports and issue notices to their owners.
  • Non-compliance will lead to demolition or reduced building heights, as per the procedures for unauthorized constructions.
  • Aggrieved owners can appeal before the First or Second Appellate Office, with an opportunity to be heard.
  • The draft rules will come into effect on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

Statistics:

  • 240 people were killed in the Air India crash on June 12, 2023.
  • The draft rules aim to tighten control over structures within a specified area around airports to enhance aircraft safety.
  • The rules will apply to all airports in India, with a specific focus on structures within restricted zones.

Sources:

  • Hindustan Times (June 19, 2023) - "New draft rules to tighten control over airport perimeter zones"