Government Seeks ICAO Study to Address Safety Concerns of Buildings Near Airports
The Civil Aviation Minister has announced a collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to study and implement best practices for managing building height restrictions near airports, following the recent Air India crash in Gujarat.
Aviation SafetyBuilding Height RestrictionsIcaoReal Estate GrowthAerotropolisesReal EstateAug 31, 2025
The issue has become more urgent after the recent Air India crash in Gujarat, which highlighted the dangers of obstacles near airports. The Minister stressed that aviation safety is the top priority, but at the same time, real estate growth around airports cannot be ignored. “We want to find a balance between safety and development,” he said while speaking at the 17th National Convention of real estate body NAREDCO in New Delhi.
India’s airport network is expanding rapidly from 74 airports in 2014 to 162 today and the government plans to add 50 more in the next five years, with a long-term vision of over 350 airports. With this growth, conflicts over building heights are expected to increase. To prepare for the future, Naidu said the ICAO study will follow global best practices and is part of the government’s “Viksit Bharat” vision.
Experts from ICAO will be invited to study how global hubs like Hong Kong, London, and New York where dense real estate coexists with some of the world’s busiest airports manage height restrictions without undermining safety.
Beyond safety, the government is also looking at airports as hubs of economic growth. Naidu emphasized plans to develop aerotropolises, airport-centered urban clusters with hotels, convention centers, and commercial activities. “Airports globally operate at very high economies of scale, and India must harness this potential,” he said.
But the tension remains clear as developers see opportunity in the land around airports, while aviation authorities warn that any relaxation of height norms could jeopardise lives. With the memory of the Gujarat tragedy fresh, the ICAO-backed study may prove crucial in deciding whether India can find a middle ground that secures both its skies and its skyline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concern addressed by the ICAO study?
The main concern is the management of building height restrictions near airports to ensure aviation safety while accommodating real estate growth.
Why is the study becoming more urgent?
The study has become more urgent following the recent Air India crash in Gujarat, which highlighted the dangers of obstacles near airports.
What is the government's long-term vision for airports in India?
The government plans to expand the number of airports from 162 to over 350 in the long term, with a vision of 'Viksit Bharat' that focuses on economic growth and development.
What are aerotropolises, and why are they important?
Aerotropolises are airport-centered urban clusters with hotels, convention centers, and commercial activities. They are important because they can drive economic growth and enhance the economies of scale for airports.
How will the ICAO study help in finding a balance between safety and development?
The ICAO study will examine global best practices from cities like Hong Kong, London, and New York to find solutions that manage building height restrictions without compromising safety.
Related News Articles
Global Housing Market Trends: Mumbai and Delhi Rank High in Prime Residential Price Growth
Mumbai and Delhi have secured third and fifth positions, respectively, among 44 cities globally in terms of prime residential price growth during the January-March 2024 period.
MahaRERA's New Regulation: Real Estate Developers Must Specify Delivery Dates for Amenities
Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority makes it mandatory for developers to provide exact date of delivery for facilities and amenities
Sonakshi Sinha's Stylish Bandra Apartment Hits the Market for Rs 25 Crore
Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha's sea-view apartment in Bandra is up for sale, just months after her wedding. The 4,200 sq ft apartment boasts stunning views of the sea and is listed for Rs 25 crore.
Hiranandani Group to Invest ₹12,500 Crore in MMR Projects
The renowned real estate firm, Hiranandani Group, has declared plans to invest ₹12,500 crore in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) over the next few years. This significant investment aims to bolster the group's presence and develop multiple projects in
The Impact of Real Estate on Socio-economic Development
Sh. Kuldip Narayan, IAS, Joint Secretary & Mission Director (Housing for All), Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, highlights the significant role of the real estate sector in fostering socio-economic development.
Magicbricks Invests in PropViz to Enhance Real Estate Technology Solutions
Magicbricks, a leading online real estate platform, has made a significant investment in PropViz, a cutting-edge real estate technology solutions provider. This strategic move aims to revolutionize real estate interactions and set new standards in custome