Indian Government to seek ICAO expertise on building height restrictions near airports

New Delhi: Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu said on Saturday that the government will commission an international study, with the support of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to explore solutions for easing building height restrictions around airports without compromising aviation safety.

Speaking at a conference organized by real estate body NAREDCO, the minister emphasized that passenger safety remains the highest priority, but noted that technological advancements may allow for a balance between urban development and flight operations. 

“While we align with ICAO guidelines, we are planning an international study to see how such restrictions are managed globally,” Naidu said, according to PTI.

He added that ICAO experts will be involved in the study, which will also review practices in cities like Hong Kong. Upgrading technology systems in India, he said, could provide greater flexibility in managing safe flight paths while accommodating real estate growth.

India’s civil aviation sector is expanding rapidly, with the number of airports increasing from 88 to 162 in the past 11 years. The government aims to add another 50 airports in the next five years. Alongside aviation growth, Naidu said there are also plans to develop aerotropolises—urban centers built around airports.