Following the recent air crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 241 lives including over 20 students from JB Medical College, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued stringent new guidelines for construction near airports across the country. In a significant shift, the AAI has expanded the high-rise clearance zone near Kolkata Airport from 10 to 20 kilometres.

This directive, aimed at enhancing aviation safety, affects municipalities including Bidhannagar, North Dumdum, Madhyamgram, and New Barrackpore, and now impacts parts of Kolkata city as well. These municipal bodies have received official notices requiring mandatory AAI approval for all multi-storey developments within the new 20-kilometre radius.

Traditionally, construction around airports—particularly within the 11-kilometre ‘funnel zone’—has been tightly regulated, limiting buildings to just two storeys in many areas. Wards 26, 27 and 28 of Madhyamgram fall directly within this funnel zone. With the revised guidelines, vertical developments even beyond this inner ring will now need explicit AAI clearance.

The Civil Aviation Ministry is also drafting new regulations that would mandate the demolition of any structure that exceeds the approved height norms. The ministry has based this decision on recent AAI surveys, seeking to eliminate potential hazards along flight paths and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

While the move prioritises passenger safety, it has stirred strong reactions from local leaders. Madhyamgram MLA and West Bengal minister Rathin Ghosh questioned the fairness of retrospective enforcement: “How can buildings with valid NOCs be suddenly marked for demolition?” Bidhannagar MLA Sujit Bose echoed these concerns, asking, “Why was there no action earlier? This abrupt order affects thousands.” Both leaders expressed support for improved aviation safety but stressed the need for fairness in addressing existing legal structures.

Urban planners and real estate developers warn that the new restrictions could significantly disrupt suburban housing projects, complicate ongoing developments, and shake investor confidence. While the new policy may bolster flight safety, it presents immediate challenges for local governance, residents, and builders alike—especially those who had secured approvals under earlier norms.

The updated regulations mark a nationwide shift towards proactive safety planning near airports, placing greater emphasis on airspace protection over rapid urbanisation.