FCC

10km Building Ban Imposed Near Jewar Airport for Safety

2025-08-05

The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has enforced a strict ban on all new construction within a 10-kilometre radius of the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar. The measure, aligned with aviation safety norms, is designed to ensure obstruction-free air corridors and safeguard the operational efficiency of the region’s major aviation project.

The directive follows extensive consultations with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), who raised concerns about unregulated vertical development near the airport’s air funnel. The restriction applies to commercial, residential, and industrial buildings, with all proposed constructions within the zone now requiring height clearance from aviation authorities before receiving planning approvals.

The affected area includes rapidly developing sectors under YEIDA’s jurisdiction, where property developers have shown heightened interest due to the airport’s projected economic impact. Officials clarified that the intent is not to halt development, but to ensure it complies with safety standards. Developers with approved plans who have not yet begun construction may be required to revalidate them under the revised rules.

Authorities are working to establish a streamlined process for real-time coordination between YEIDA and aviation regulators to avoid unnecessary delays while maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols. Urban planners and sustainability experts have welcomed the move, viewing it as a forward-thinking policy that prioritises long-term safety and balanced growth.

Set to begin operations by late 2025, the Noida International Airport is expected to handle over 12 million passengers annually in its first phase. With enhanced connectivity through the Yamuna Expressway and proposed high-speed metro links to Delhi and Greater Noida, the airport is poised to become a major aviation hub in northern India.

However, officials reiterated that navigational safety remains non-negotiable. The construction ban is consistent with global practices at international airports, where controlled development zones are established to reduce aviation risks. YEIDA also plans to conduct awareness campaigns among real estate stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation.

The move is seen as a critical step in embedding aviation safety into urban planning frameworks, offering a model for integrating sustainability and infrastructure growth in India’s rapidly urbanising regions.