28 high-rise structures near Surat airport breach aviation safety norms: Centre

Identified by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), these buildings violate the Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS), thereby posing a threat to safe flight operations.

In a written response to a question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Shaktisinh Gohil, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol informed the House that both the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and AAI have issued formal demolition notices under the Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions caused by Buildings and Trees, etc.) Rules, 1994.

“The AAI has identified 28 buildings that infringe upon the OLS criteria at Surat airport. Notices and demolition orders have been issued as per law,” the Minister said, underlining the regulatory breach and its implications for aircraft movement.

While the Ministry did not divulge the names of the authorities responsible for sanctioning these constructions in the restricted airspace zone, it confirmed that legal action has been initiated to remove the offending structures.

However, a large number of these matters are presently locked in litigation and are sub judice before the Gujarat High Court, stalling immediate action.

In the wake of the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, the Civil Aviation Ministry has unveiled a draft of the Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025, aimed at enhancing flight safety by cracking down on dangerous high-rises and tall trees near airports.

Released in June, the draft rules empower aviation authorities to swiftly act against any structures or vegetation that breach height restrictions in areas surrounding aerodromes. The rules will come into effect once formally notified in the official gazette.

Under the proposed regulations, officials will have the authority to identify and remove buildings and trees that obstruct safe aircraft operations, particularly during take-off and landing. The move marks a significant step towards tightening oversight around airport zones where unauthorised vertical expansion has long been a safety concern.

Officials said the rules were part of broader efforts to prevent avoidable aviation disasters caused by obstructions in flight paths.