Air India crash: Govt tightens aircraft safety rules; structures violating height limit under lens

The ministry of civil aviation on Wednesday released new draft rules to tighten control over structures which pose risk to aircraft safety, in the aftermath of the deadly Air India crash in Ahmedabad,The draft, titled Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025, will come into force once published in the official gazette.The rules aim to empower authorities for prompt action against buildings and trees which exceed height limits in the designated aerodrome zones.Under the draft, structures found in violation of the prescribed height limits could face a notice by the officer-in-charge of an aerodrome.Owners would be required to submit detailed information, including structure dimensions and site plans, within two months of receiving the notice. Failure to comply could result in demolition or height reduction.For physical verification of structures, officers are empowered to enter the premises during daylight hours after informing the owner. In cases of non-cooperation, they may proceed with the action based on available information and refer the matter to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA