What are the New Aviation Rules Issued to Remove Obstacles Near Airports in India?

The thought behind the penning of the new aviation rules stemmed from a recent plane crash in Ahmedabad, in which only one passenger survived.  During the investigations, it was found that the susceptibilities are bound to arise when construction and infrastructure development are not aligned with aviation safety standards.  The aviation experts were of the opinion that obstacles near airports tend to increase operational risk, particularly when aircraft are about to take off or land.

 Prior to these new rules, India was governed by the 1994 aviation rules. Rapid urbanization around airports overwhelmed regulatory oversight, resulting in many buildings exceeding permissible height limits. The new rules focused on updating enforcement mechanisms and eliminating all safety issues.

The new rules represent an overhaul of how obstacles near airports are acknowledged, assessed and removed. The new rule allows aviation officials and DGCA staff to issue notices to property owners whose buildings are not built in accordance with safety standards. Under the new rules, the DGCA can conduct regular surveys at airports to determine whether violations are occurring.  Property owners must submit details in accordance with the construction plans and height.

 Strict actions may be taken if people don’t comply with these safety regulations. The aviation authorities can issue orders to demolish the obstruction, in whole or in part, or to take other measures. Property owners can, however, raise objections before final action is taken to ensure complete transparency.

Aircraft operations bank on the precise calculations of altitude, distance and clearance margins.  If there is any sort of miscalculation in the same, the outcomes can be lethal, to say the least.

Surveys found that many obstacles had never been recorded or updated. This disparity between actual conditions and available data poses serious risks to pilots and ATCs. With regular obstacle surveys, the relevant authorities can take corrective action.

The new rules on obstacle removal will transform India’s aviation ecosystem. The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, replaced the old Aircraft Act of 1934. These new rules of obstacle removal mark a shift toward a more proactive approach to aviation safety.

There will be a significant impact of the new aviation rules on property owners, developers and local governments operating near airports.  It is important for the property developers to be more diligent before planning multistory buildings or installing communication towers within airport zones. If they violate aviation safety regulations, strict action may be taken. Approvals for buildings, zoning regulations, and land-use planning should be closely coordinated with the country's civil aviation authorities.

These new aviation rules will be implemented at the Indian airports in phases. First, they will be implemented at all major airports, then at smaller cities and towns, and ultimately at all airports nationwide.

For the success of these new aviation rules, the public should be made aware of them. People living near airports must understand why certain restrictions exist and how compliance with these restrictions contributes to safety. Outreach programmes, clear direction documents and grievance redressal mechanisms can help the people build trust and boost voluntary compliance.

By replacing the existing aviation rules, the government of India has recognized the realities of rapid urban growth and its implications for flight safety.

While implementing these rules takes time and effort, the benefits are substantial. These rules make it clear that safety is non-negotiable for any country aspiring to become a global aviation hub, such as India. If you want to become a commercial pilot in this ever-growing world of aviation, you can always enroll with us at FlapOne Aviation and give wings to your dreams.