NEW DELHI, June 19: In the wake of the tragic Air India Dreamliner crash that killed 241 passengers and several others on the ground, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has unveiled the Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025, aimed at eliminating physical obstructions near aerodromes that pose serious threats to aircraft safety.
The draft rules, which will come into force following their publication in the Official Gazette, seek to empower authorities with stronger enforcement powers to take action against structures — such as buildings, trees, and towers — that exceed permissible height limits within designated aerodrome zones.
The move is widely seen as a proactive response to the June 12 crash, where an Air India Boeing 787 en route from Ahmedabad to London crashed into the B.J. Medical College Hostel shortly after takeoff, resulting in 242 deaths, including nearly all on board and multiple casualties on the ground.
According to the proposed regulations, any structure found to violate height restrictions will be served a formal notice. Property owners must then submit essential documents — including site plans, ownership records, and height specifications — within 60 days. Failure to comply could result in enforcement measures, including demolition or trimming of the offending structure.
In cases where the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) or a designated officer determines a structure poses a safety risk, a formal demolition or height-reduction order can be issued. Owners will have 60 days to comply, with a possible one-time extension of another 60 days if justified.
The draft also gives officials the authority to inspect sites during daylight hours after prior notice. If cooperation is denied, officers may rely on available information and escalate the matter to the DGCA for further action.
To safeguard the rights of property owners, a two-tier appeals process is included in the draft. Affected individuals can challenge orders by filing an appeal with the First or Second Appellate Officer, accompanied by supporting documents and a Rs 1,000 fee.
Significantly, the draft rules clarify that compensation will only be available to those who comply with official orders, in accordance with Section 22 of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024. Structures erected in violation of height norms after the notification date will not qualify for any compensation.
The Ministry has invited public objections and suggestions on the draft rules within 20 days of their publication. The move marks a critical step in enhancing aviation safety and ensuring tragedies like the recent Air India crash are not repeated.
