Surat Airport issues 14 Notices to High-Rise Buildings Obstructing Flight Path

Surat : The Surat airport authorities have sprung into action, addressing the issue of high-rise buildings obstructing the flight path funnel of aircraft landing on the runway from the Vesu side of the airport. Surat Airport Director Rupesh Kumar Lohani has issued a total of 14 notices to high-rise residential buildings in the last four months, urging them to promptly remove obstacles that hinder the smooth landing and take-off of aircraft.

Over the past four months, Surat Airport Director Rupesh Kumar Lohani has been actively engaging with building owners, highlighting the importance of maintaining a clear flight path. The notices emphasize the need to remove obstacles such as solar panels, unauthorized floor extensions, and mobile towers that encroach upon the designated flight path.

The Surat airport authorities conducted an obstacle survey a few months ago, which revealed the presence of hindrances obstructing the flight path on certain buildings. It was discovered that real estate developers in Vesu had illegally constructed these high-rise buildings in collaboration with the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) authorities many years ago, taking advantage of the underdeveloped state of the airport at the time.

The consequences of these illegal constructions continue to impact Surat as a whole. Currently, the Surat airport’s existing 2,800-meter runway is not fully utilized due to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) decision to displace 650 meters of the runway at the Vesu side. This displacement was necessary to address the flight path obstacles posed by the high-rise buildings.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Surat airport authorities have taken a proactive approach by issuing notices to the concerned building owners. The goal is to ensure the safety and efficiency of air operations in and out of Surat airport.

It is worth noting that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) failed to conduct obstacle surveys between 2006 and 2014. This lapse in monitoring provided an opportunity for real estate developers to construct high-rise buildings without consideration for aviation safety regulations.

In response to the notices issued earlier, the realtors responsible for the construction of these buildings have approached the Gujarat High Court. The court’s intervention will be instrumental in determining the course of action and establishing the responsibilities of the relevant authorities.

The swift action taken by Surat airport authorities in issuing notices demonstrates their commitment to addressing the issue and ensuring the safe and unobstructed operation of the airport. By actively engaging with building owners and promoting compliance with aviation regulations, the authorities aim to rectify the situation and prevent any further unauthorized constructions that could compromise aviation safety.

Surat, being the economic capital of Gujarat, deserves a well-functioning airport that adheres to international safety standards. It is imperative that all stakeholders work together to swiftly resolve the issue, allowing for seamless air travel and bolstering the growth of Surat’s aviation sector.