Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted that restrictions currently impede growth in cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, whereas countries such as New York, London, Hong Kong, and Dubai allow high-rises near airports without compromising safety.
| Photo Credit:
ANI
The Centre will conduct a study led by international experts on the height restriction scenario around airports to accelerate urban development under the concept of ‘Aerotropolis’.
Speaking to businessline, on the sidelines of an industry event in New Delhi, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the government wants the international civil aviation body ICAO to play a central role in this study.
At present, height restrictions around airports post a challenge for urbanisation in several metropolitan cities,, including Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
ICAO to lead study; global cities offer successful models
“If some countries are able to do it, then we should also be able to do it,” Naidu told businessline, citing the examples of New York, London, Hong Kong and Dubai, where high-rise construction exists in close proximity to airports without compromising safety standards.
On the sidelines of NAREDCO’s 17th National Convention, Minister Naidu said the government is setting up a committee that will work closely with ICAO, but the primary responsibility of the study will rest with the international civil aviation body.
Notably, he pointed out that such a review is in line with the government’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision.
Focus on technology upgrades, linked to Viksit Bharat Vision
According to Minister Naidu, the scope of the study will also touch upon technology upgrades.
“Sometimes there are very old systems that we are using. If we can upgrade them to the latest technology, that gives us a certain leverage,” he said.
The minister emphasised that airports should not be viewed in isolation, but rather as economic hubs, such as ‘Aerotropolis’.
Airports as Aerotropolis: Real estate and economic hubs
“Aerotropolis is a city which is surrounded around the airport… all different kinds of concepts come in,” he said, adding that the Centre may call on states to hold joint consultations to develop detailed plans.
While addressing the convention, Naidu announced that the government would make efforts to amplify real estate activities within close proximity to upcoming airports in order to ensure sectoral growth.
He indicated that the study would draw development cues from leading airports around the world, which operate at very high economies of scale, with multiple associated activities, including real estate, recreation, and convention centres.
India to replicate global airport development models
India, he said, would take a cue from these global examples to develop similar utilities around new greenfield airports.
Besides, the minister underlined India’s civil aviation expansion drive, and noted that the government has already operationalised 88 airports in recent years, with many more in the pipeline.
In 2014, India had just 74 operational airports, whereas today the number has more than doubled to 162.
Civil aviation expansion: 88 new airports operationalised
“This means we have operationalised 88 new airports in just 11 years. On average, every 45 days a new airport has been opened,” Naidu said.
Furthermore, he outlined the government’s ambitious plan of adding 50 new airports in the near future.
In addition, Naidu stated that India is already undertaking 28 major airport projects across the country, with new terminal buildings being designed on the principles of sustainability, including the large-scale adoption of solar energy.
Published on August 30, 2025
