New Aviation Rules Empower Demolition of High-Risk Structures Near Airports Post Air India Crash
In a decisive move following the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has released new draft regulations to identify and demolish physical obstructions that threaten aircraft safety near Indian airports. Titled the Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025, the draft was issued on June 18 and will take effect once notified in the Official Gazette.
The draft rules grant sweeping powers to airport authorities and aviation regulators to act against structures—buildings, towers, or even trees—that exceed permitted height limits in designated aerodrome zones. The rules are part of a broader strategy to prevent future aviation disasters caused by interference along flight paths.
Under the proposed law, any structure found to violate height norms can be flagged by the officer-in-charge of the aerodrome. The structure’s owner will be served a formal notice and required to submit site details, including dimensions and technical drawings, within sixty days. Non-compliance could trigger enforcement action, including mandated demolition or height reduction.
The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) or their authorised officer has the authority to verify the violation and issue a final demolition order. The owner then has sixty days to act on it, with the possibility of a single 60-day extension under valid justification.
Officers are allowed to conduct inspections during daylight hours after notifying the owner. If access is denied or the owner remains uncooperative, action may still proceed based on available evidence, and the DGCA will make the final decision.
If orders are ignored, the case is forwarded to the local District Collector who will execute demolition or tree cutting using the same procedures applicable for unauthorised constructions.
The rules include a provision for appeal. Owners may challenge the demolition order before a First or Second Appellate Officer by submitting a formal appeal with documents and a ₹1,000 fee. However, only those who comply with the demolition orders can later claim compensation under Section 22 of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024. Any structures built post-notification that breach rules will not be eligible for compensation.
The Ministry has opened the draft for public comments and suggestions for twenty days from the date of notification. Feedback must be addressed to the Director-General of Civil Aviation.
This move comes days after flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad, killing 270 people, including 241 onboard and 29 on the ground. Preliminary findings pointed to possible obstructions along the aircraft’s departure path. The crash has prompted an urgent reassessment of safety protocols around airports.
Aviation safety experts and families of crash victims have welcomed the initiative, calling it an overdue step to enforce stricter aerodrome regulations.
