Following the tragic Air India Flight AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, the Indian government has initiated a series of measures to tighten aircraft safety regulations and address potential hazards near airports. The crash, involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, resulted in the loss of 241 lives on board and 29 on the ground after the aircraft crashed into a medical college hostel shortly after takeoff. This event has prompted a comprehensive review of existing safety protocols and infrastructure surrounding airports.
In the immediate aftermath, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the regulatory body for civil aviation in India, mandated an "Enhanced Safety Inspection" of Air India's entire Boeing 787-8/9 fleet, comprising 33 aircraft. As of June 17, 2025, 24 of these aircraft had successfully completed the required checks, with the DGCA reporting no major safety concerns related to the aircraft's airworthiness. However, the DGCA has advised Air India to bolster internal coordination among its engineering, operations, and ground handling units. The regulator also emphasized the need for a more systematic and real-time defect reporting mechanism to ensure that operational and safety-critical departments receive timely updates. Air India has also been reminded of its obligations to inform passengers well in advance regarding delays and cancellations, along with ensuring effective passenger facilitation through all available channels.
Beyond aircraft inspections, the government is also focusing on addressing potential hazards posed by structures exceeding permissible height limits near airports. Height restrictions around airports are implemented to prevent buildings from posing a hazard to air navigation. In the wake of the Air India crash, authorities are intensifying efforts to identify and rectify any violations of these restrictions. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is working with local municipal corporations to conduct surveys and identify buildings that exceed the permissible height limits in the vicinity of airports.
In Surat, for example, authorities are repeating the exercise to identify height obstacles in the flight funnel of Surat International Airport following the crash. Demolitions will be carried out after obstacles are identified. Over 110 other buildings are allegedly in violation of height restrictions, but their case is in court and there is a stay on action against them. Similar concerns have been raised in Navi Mumbai, where the Navi Mumbai International Airport Pvt Ltd (NMIAL) has issued notices to residential societies seeking details of building heights, leading to concerns among residents about potential demolitions.
Existing regulations, such as the Aircraft Rules, 1937, and the Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions caused by buildings and trees etc.) Rules, 1994, provide the framework for addressing height violations. These rules empower authorities to take action against structures that pose a threat to aviation safety. In some cases, legal challenges and court orders have delayed the removal of violating structures, but authorities are exploring options to expedite the process.
These measures represent a multi-pronged approach to enhance aviation safety in India. By tightening aircraft safety regulations, improving maintenance practices, and addressing potential hazards near airports, the government aims to prevent future accidents and ensure the safety of passengers and the public.
