On 31 March 2026, the Ministry of Civil Aviation notified the Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions caused by Buildings and Trees etc.) Rules, 2026, introducing a framework which defines responsibilities, procedures, and enforcement mechanisms related to buildings, structures, and trees that pose potential hazards to aircraft operations near aerodromes.
Key Takeaways of Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules 2026:
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These Rules are formulated under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024.
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The Rules apply to any building, structure, or tree situated within a “specified area,” which can extend up to 20 kilometres from the Aerodrome Reference Point (ARP) of a civil or defence aerodrome, as defined under Rule 2(h).
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Where non-compliance with height restrictions is suspected, the officer-in-charge of the aerodrome is required, under Rule 3, to serve a formal notice on the owner and submit a report of such violation to the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
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The DGCA is empowered under Rule 4 to direct owners to submit plans, height details, location maps, and other relevant particulars of the structure or tree within the required timelines.
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Rule 5 authorises physical inspection of the premises after due notice, enabling aviation authorities to verify the accuracy of the information submitted by the owner and to assess the actual nature of the obstruction.
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Under Rule 6, if a structure is found to violate notified height restrictions, the DGCA can order demolition or reduction in height.
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Such an order can be passed only after the owner is given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
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Rule 7 provides an appellate mechanism, allowing aggrieved persons to appeal against demolition or height-reduction orders within 30 days.
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In cases of continued non-compliance, under Rule 10, the case is referred to the District Collector, who will demolish the structure or reduce its height in accordance with the procedure applicable to unauthorised constructions.
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Rule 9 permits owners to claim compensation for loss or damage in accordance with the Act, except where construction is undertaken in violation of height restrictions after the issuance of the relevant notification.
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The Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2026 supersede the Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions caused by Buildings and Trees etc.) Rules, 1994.
[Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions caused by Buildings and Trees etc.) Rules, 2026, published on 31-3-2026]
