Air India crash report triggers new aviation crackdown

With the Air India crash investigation report expected soon, attention has turned to the government’s fresh regulatory steps aimed at improving airport safety. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has released a set of new draft rules to address long-standing concerns about obstructions like buildings and trees near airports.

The Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions Caused by Buildings and Trees, etc.) Rules, 2025, were published on June 18, 2025, under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, and are open to public comment for 21 days.

What’s new in the proposed rules?

These new Draft Rules are set to replace the 1994 Rules, which allowed the Deputy or Joint Director General of Civil Aviation to order the removal of height violations. Under the older framework, aggrieved individuals could appeal the order, and non-compliance meant the District Collector could step in.

The 2025 Draft Rules propose faster and more enforceable actions. Officials will be authorised to issue notices, carry out daytime inspections, and order demolition of non-compliant structures. Property owners will have 60 days to submit structural documents, and action can be taken if safety norms are breached. Importantly, only those who comply will be eligible for compensation under Section 22 of the 2024 Act. Unauthorized structures built after the notification date won’t qualify.

The Investigation report yet to be made public on Friday about the cause of Air India crash is focusing on the movement of the engine fuel control switches. The co-pilot mistakenly cut off fuel supply to one of the engines and the Captain activated Auto pilot mode at a wrong altd pic.twitter.com/GqNqhlY2ie

— Capt. Feni Rogers🇺🇬🇺🇲 (@CaptFeni30596) July 9, 2025

Concerns over due process and consultation time

While the rules aim to strengthen aviation safety, they have been criticised for not including procedural safeguards mandated by the Supreme Court in demolition-related matters. The short 21-day window for public feedback has also raised concerns about the reactive nature of the policy process.

Why proactive regulation is critical

The crash of the Air India flight in Ahmedabad has once again highlighted how aviation regulations are often reactive. A historical example—the US President’s Commission on Aviation Security and Terrorism in 1990 criticised American aviation regulators for waiting for tragedies before acting. The same risk exists here.

Aviation rules must be grounded in research, account for technological developments, and include transparency through public consultation. As the upcoming crash report may reveal more gaps, this framework must be built with resilience and adaptability in mind.

The draft rules are a step forward, but lasting change will need foresight, public trust, and evidence-based regulation beyond crisis response.

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