Nagpur’s Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is facing a serious aviation safety threat, with 181 buildings identified as violating height norms essential for safe aircraft operations. These structures, located within a 25-kilometre radius of the airport, have been flagged as obstructions in multiple Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) surveys conducted since 2018 by MIHAN India Limited (MIL), the airport’s operator.

Despite the findings, no significant corrective measures have been enforced. The situation has raised concerns among aviation safety experts, who warn that the persistent presence of such unauthorised structures could compromise flight safety. A notable example is the “Prozone Palm” building, located just 300 metres from the airport boundary, which is currently under judicial scrutiny for violating height limits.

Other buildings in areas including Sonegaon Road, Takli Sim, Pannase Layout, Jaitala, Hingna, Trimurti Nagar, Isasani, Digdoh, and Shivan village have received notices, yet enforcement remains lax.

Under the Aircraft Rules of 1994 and the Aircraft Act of 1934, the Ministry of Civil Aviation mandates height regulation around airports via circulars such as GSR 751(P). The Airports Authority of India (AAI) employs a colour-coded zoning system to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for building height approvals to safeguard aircraft flight paths.

Despite three OLS surveys in nine years and a clear regulatory framework, most of the 181 identified buildings continue to exist without modifications or demolition. Safety experts argue that this ongoing non-compliance represents a systemic failure in regulatory enforcement and urban planning oversight.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been involved in addressing the issue, offering a glimmer of hope. While a few structures have reportedly been removed, the bulk remain untouched, highlighting a need for urgent and coordinated action from both civic and aviation authorities.

Experts stress the importance of not only holding property owners accountable but also ensuring that building approvals around sensitive airport zones undergo rigorous compliance checks. Without swift corrective measures, the safety of flights in and out of Nagpur could remain at serious risk.