Government Plans New Law to Remove Dangerous Buildings and Trees Near Airports After Air India Crash

New Delhi: In a major step towards enhancing aviation safety, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has released a new set of draft rules aimed at removing physical obstructions near airports that could pose a threat to aircraft during take-off and landing. The move comes just a week after the Air India crash near Ahmedabad, which has reignited concerns over flight path safety and infrastructure compliance.

Titled “Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025,” the draft notification was issued on June 18, and will take effect upon publication in the Official Gazette. The proposed regulations seek to empower aviation authorities with clear legal provisions to act swiftly against any structure — including buildings and trees — that breach permissible height limits around aerodromes.

According to the draft, if any structure is found violating the government’s prescribed height norms under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, the officer-in-charge of the aerodrome is authorized to serve notice to the property owner, demanding complete details such as building dimensions and location plans. Owners are expected to respond within 60 days.

“This is a preventive step to avoid aviation accidents caused by obstructions in flight corridors,” said a senior Civil Aviation Ministry official. “Our aim is not demolition, but compliance and safety.”

The rules also allow aerodrome officers to physically inspect properties, provided they inform owners in advance. In cases where owners fail to cooperate or provide false information, the matter will be escalated to the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Further non-compliance may lead to intervention by the local District Collector, who will oversee the demolition or reduction in height of the structure, using similar procedures applied for illegal constructions.

Importantly, the draft also provides for a two-tier appeal system, allowing owners to challenge demolition notices before designated appellate officers. Appeals must be filed using a prescribed format along with supporting documents and a fee of ₹1,000.

However, there’s a catch: only those who comply with demolition or trimming orders will be eligible for compensation under Section 22 of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam. Any unauthorised structures erected after the issuance of the notification will not be considered for compensation at all.