Air India crash: Centre issues draft rules to tighten control over physical obstructions

IANS June 19, 2025 316 views

Following the tragic Air India crash, the government has introduced stricter rules to prevent future accidents caused by obstructions near airports. The draft empowers authorities to demolish or trim hazardous structures violating height limits. Property owners must submit details within 60 days or face enforcement action. The rules also outline an appeals process and compensation eligibility for compliant structures.

"The rules aim to give authorities power to take prompt action against buildings and trees exceeding height limits in aerodrome zones." — Ministry of Civil Aviation
Air India crash: Centre issues draft rules to tighten control over physical obstructions
New Delhi, June 19: In a key step after the deadly Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has released new draft rules to tighten control over physical structures that may pose risk to aircraft safety.

Key Points

1

New draft rules target structures violating aerodrome height limits

2

Property owners must comply or face demolition

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60-day window for appeals with ₹1,000 fee

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Compensation only for compliant structures

The aircraft, en route from Ahmedabad to London's Gatwick airport, had crashed into the B.J. Medical College Hostel shortly after take-off on June 12 and burst into a fireball, killing nearly all on board and several on the ground.

The draft, titled 'Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025', will come into force once published in the Official Gazette. The rules aim to give authorities the power to take prompt action against buildings and trees that exceed height limits in designated aerodrome zones.

The move is seen as a proactive step to prevent potential accidents caused by obstructions in flight paths.

Under the draft rules, any structure found exceeding the permissible height limits around notified aerodromes will receive a notice from the officer-in-charge.

Property owners must submit key details, including site plans and structural dimensions, within 60 days of receiving the notice. Non-compliance could trigger enforcement action, including demolition or trimming of the structure.

If the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) or an authorised officer determines that the structure is in violation, an official order may be issued mandating demolition or height reduction.

Property owners will have up to 60 days to comply, with a possible second extension of another 60 days granted only on valid grounds.

According to the draft rules, officials will also be allowed to physically verify the site during daylight hours, after notifying the property owner. If the owner refuses to cooperate, the officer may proceed using available information and escalate the case to the DGCA.

The draft rules also outlined a clear appeals process, where property owners may challenge the demolition or trimming orders before the First or Second Appellate Officer by submitting the prescribed form, supporting documents, and a fee of Rs 1,000.

The rules further stated that only those who comply with official orders will be eligible for compensation under Section 22 of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024. Any structures erected in violation of the rules after the notification date will not qualify for any compensation.

The Civil Aviation Ministry has invited objections and suggestions from the public within 20 days of the draft’s publication.

—IANS

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally some action after this terrible tragedy! Our aviation safety standards need to match global benchmarks. But I hope they implement this properly - in many cities, builders illegally add floors at night. DGCA needs surprise inspections 👀
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Priya M.
Good initiative but Rs.1000 appeal fee is too low - rich builders will keep appealing endlessly. Should be at least Rs.10,000 to deter frivolous cases. Safety shouldn't be compromised for anyone's profits 💯
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Amit S.
Why only daylight inspections? Many violations happen at night when authorities aren't watching. Also, what about mobile towers near airports? They're equally dangerous but often get political protection. Hope DGCA stays independent 🤞
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Sunita R.
My heart breaks for the victims' families. This rule should have come earlier. In Mumbai, so many high-rises near airport - every landing feels risky. Government must act fast, not just make draft rules that sit for years like other policies 😔
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Vikram J.
While safety is important, 60 days is too short for proper compliance. Many structures may need structural changes that require time. Also, what about historical buildings near airports? One-size-fits-all approach won't work for our diverse cities.
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Neha P.
Better late than never! But will municipal corporations cooperate? In Delhi, so many illegal constructions have political backing. Hope this isn't just another "chalta hai" policy. Lives are at stake here 🙏 #AviationSafety

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Air India crash aviation safety DGCA aircraft obstruction rules Boeing 787 Dreamliner