Naidu Announces Study to Ease Airport Height Curbs

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced on Saturday that an international study will soon begin to address height restrictions on buildings near upcoming airports, aiming to balance urban development with aviation safety. Speaking at the 17th National Convention of the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) in New Delhi, themed ‘India Builds: Reimagining Growth through Real Estate and Infrastructure,’ Naidu emphasized the government’s push to expand aero and non-aero services around airports to boost economic growth.

India, one of the world’s fastest-growing civil aviation markets, has seen its operational airports rise from 74 to 162 over the past 11 years, with plans for 50 more by 2030, targeting a total of over 350 airports. Naidu highlighted the potential for real estate development near these hubs, citing successful models like the aerotropolis around Jewar International Airport, set to open in April 2025. The study, likely involving global aviation experts, will explore technologies like advanced radar systems and revised airspace regulations to allow taller structures without compromising flight safety.

Currently, height restrictions, enforced by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) under ICAO guidelines, limit buildings within a 20-km radius of airports, impacting projects in cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad. Naidu’s announcement follows demands from real estate developers, with NAREDCO estimating that easing restrictions could unlock ₹2 lakh crore in urban projects. The minister also outlined plans for cargo hubs, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facilities, and retail zones to enhance airport ecosystems, drawing inspiration from Singapore’s Changi Airport.

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Social media posts from the convention praised Naidu’s vision, though some developers expressed concerns about study timelines, citing delays in past aviation reforms. The initiative aligns with India’s goal to handle 300 million passengers annually by 2030, up from 153 million in 2024, positioning airports as catalysts for urban and economic transformation.

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