Post Air India Plunge: Updated Guidelines for Infrastructure Neighboring Airfields
In the aftermath of the tragic Air India Boeing 787 crash near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken a decisive move. They have drafted new regulations titled the 'Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025' aimed at enhancing the safety of aircraft by regulating potentially hazardous physical structures around airports.
The aircraft, en route to London's Gatwick airport, had disaster-stricken after colliding with a building, resulting in the loss of nearly all on board and several on the ground. This unfortunate event has spurred a reassessment of safety measures in the flight sector.
This proactive legislation, once published in the Official Gazette, will equip authorities with clear-cut powers to tackle buildings and trees that breach the established height limits in designated aerodrome zones. The new rules are designed to eliminate potential hazards that could pose risks during take-off, landing, or flight paths.
Upon detection of a possible offender, the officer-in-charge will issue a formal notice to the property owner, demanding crucial information, such as site plans and structural dimensions, within a 60-day timeframe. Failure to conform could lead to enforcement action, including demolition or trimming of the structure. In extreme cases, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) or an authorized officer may mandate such actions if violations persist.
Property owners will be granted a 60-day compliance period, with an additional 60-day extension permitted under special circumstances. In situations where the property owner refuses cooperation, officials will carry out physical inspections during daylight hours following prior notification.
For those challenging the orders, an appeals process is in place. Property owners may file an appeal with the First or Second Appellate Officer by submitting necessary documents and a processing fee of Rs 1,000.
Interestingly, only those who adhere to the official orders will be eligible for compensation under Section 22 of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024. Any structures erected illegally after the notification date will not qualify for compensation.
The general public has been invited to submit objections and suggestions regarding the new rules within 20 days of their publication. Remember, beyond the headline, this is an unedited syndicated feed.
These new regulations transition Indian aviation safety protocols towards a more robust and proactive stance, aiming to minimize future accidents caused by physical obstructions in flight paths.
- The new 'Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025' are expected to bring changes not only in the aviation industry but also in finance, since property owners who fail to comply with the regulations may forfeit their eligibility for compensation under Section 22 of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024.
- The implementation of these regulations in transportation and aviation sectors is anticipated to reduce potential hazards that could arise from physical obstructions during take-off, landing, or flight paths, thus improving overall safety measures.
