✈️ After Air India Crash, Centre Proposes New Aviation Rules to Tackle Obstructions Near Airports
In response to the recent tragic Air India AI-171 crash, which raised serious concerns about airport safety infrastructure, the Government of India is set to introduce new aviation safety regulations aimed at clearing physical obstructions near airports.
The proposed rules, spearheaded by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), seek to tighten monitoring and enforcement of height restrictions and remove illegal constructions and natural barriers along aircraft approach and takeoff paths.
📜 What the Draft Rules Aim to Address
The new rules are expected to:
Mandate regular obstruction surveys at all major and minor airports.
Enforce height restrictions more strictly on construction near runways.
Allow swift demolition or modification orders for violating structures.
Enable real-time GIS-based tracking systems for obstacle clearance zones.
Clarify legal accountability for state and local bodies regarding enforcement.
These changes come in the wake of preliminary findings that suggested unaddressed structures may have impeded safe landing paths during the ill-fated Air India flight.
🛑 Why It Matters
Enhanced Passenger Safety: Eliminating obstructions reduces risks during landing and takeoff.
Compliance Pressure on Builders: Developers near airport zones will now face stricter scrutiny.
Boosts Aviation Infrastructure: Signals India's intent to align with ICAO global safety norms.
📈 Industry Reaction
Aviation experts and safety analysts have welcomed the move but have also called for implementation at the state level, where municipal permissions often override safety alerts.
A senior airline captain stated, “The new regulations are long overdue. Several airports, especially in Tier-2 cities, face visual and navigational challenges due to nearby unregulated construction.”
❓ FAQs
Q1: Why are the new aviation rules being introduced now?
The rules follow the Air India crash, which exposed flaws in how obstructions near airports are managed.
Q2: What types of obstructions are being targeted?
Buildings, trees, towers, cranes, and other vertical structures that intrude into the protected airspace near airports.
Q3: Who is responsible for implementing these rules?
The DGCA will oversee enforcement, but local municipal bodies and airport operators will also play key roles.
Q4: Will existing structures be removed?
Yes, the rules allow retrospective actions on non-compliant structures that pose flight risks.
Q5: How does this affect passengers?
Greater safety and reduced chance of flight delays or accidents due to navigational issues during approach or takeoff.
📌 Conclusion
The Centre’s move to tighten aviation safety norms by removing airport obstructions is a decisive step toward avoiding repeat tragedies. With air traffic on the rise, ensuring obstacle-free air corridors is no longer optional — it's a necessity.
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Reported by Benny on June 19, 2025.