On 12 June 2025 at 13:39 IST, Air India Flight AI‑171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed just 32 seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, losing thrust from both engines due to the fuel control switches moving to CUTOFF nearly simultaneously Al Jazeera+15Wikipedia+15The Times of India+15. Of the 242 people onboard (230 passengers and 12 crew), 241 were killed, leaving only one survivor. On the ground, 19 lives were lost and 67 people were seriously injured, mostly within the campus of B.J. Medical College where the aircraft struck a doctor’s hostel Al Jazeera+4Wikipedia+4mystudy247.com+4. This brought the total death toll to 260, with 68 injuries overall Wikipedia.
📋 Investigation & Preliminary Findings
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The preliminary report released by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in early July identified that both engines lost thrust within one second, following the accidental—or possibly deliberate—activation of both fuel cutoff switches The Economic Times+14reuters.com+14Wikipedia+14.
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IFALPA expressed concern, saying the preliminary findings "raise several questions but offer no answers," and urged caution against speculation pending the final report Indiatimes.
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The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has officially joined the investigation team, offering expertise in flight data, operations, and engineering analysis GOV.UK+2GOV.UK+2.
🧪 Black Box & Safety Measures
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Both the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) were recovered from the crash site and transported securely to Delhi. Technical teams, including those from India and the NTSB (USA), have begun analyzing the data aerotime.aero+1.
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In response, the DGCA mandated additional maintenance checks for Air India's Boeing 787 fleet, covering systems such as fuel monitoring, hydraulics, and engine controls
Why Airport Area Construction Needs Strict Regulation
Airports are high-risk zones due to constant air traffic and the possibility of takeoff/landing emergencies. Therefore, specific rules and regulations govern construction in the vicinity of airports to prevent obstructions, reduce hazards, and ensure safe aircraft operations.
Let’s understand the key points about building construction in airport zones.
🏗️ What Are Airport Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS)?
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) defines protected imaginary surfaces around every airport. These are called Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS). Any construction within these surfaces must:
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Not penetrate the defined height limits.
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Be pre-approved by AAI and DGCA.
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Follow strict zoning and clearance regulations.
📏 Height Limits Near Airports
The height restriction is determined based on:
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Distance from the runway centerline.
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Elevation of the terrain.
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The type and category of airport operations (instrumental or visual).
Here’s a simplified guide:
| Distance from Airport Boundary | Maximum Building Height Allowed (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 0–2 km | 15–20 meters |
| 2–4 km | 20–30 meters |
| 4–6 km | 30–45 meters |
| Beyond 6 km | Subject to NOC and site-specific analysis |
Important: These limits vary based on the airport’s runway, elevation, and flight path. A detailed NOC (No Objection Certificate) from AAI is mandatory before constructing any structure around an airport.
📝 Types of Buildings Allowed in Airport Zones
Generally permitted:
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Residential buildings (low-rise, NOC-approved).
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Hospitals and hostels, with proper NOC and within height limits.
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Educational institutions with planning permissions.
Not permitted or heavily restricted:
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Tall structures like high-rises or towers.
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Chimneys, communication masts, water tanks unless below OLS limits.
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Buildings that emit smoke or reflect light, which can interfere with aircraft.
🛑 Common Violations
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Constructing without height clearance from AAI.
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Unauthorized vertical expansion of existing structures.
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Ignoring the Flight Funnel Zone, the direct path of takeoff/landing.
Violating these can not only cause penalties but also increase the risk of accidents, as tragically observed in today’s crash.
🛬 Lessons from the Ahmedabad Incident
While the official investigation is still underway, the preliminary reports indicate the aircraft lost control shortly after takeoff. The impact in a densely populated, NOC-sensitive zone like Meghani Nagar raises serious concerns:
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Were the buildings in the crash path within approved limits?
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Were there safety buffers around the runway corridor?
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Are current urban constructions adhering to airport safety zones?
As citizens, engineers, planners, and officials, this is a wake-up call to enforce zoning regulations strictly and educate developers on the importance of respecting aviation safety zones.
🙏 A Final Word
This tragedy has reminded us how close aviation safety and urban planning are linked. As we mourn the lives lost and support those affected, let us also commit to:
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Building safer cities.
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Following every rule, however inconvenient it may seem.
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Raising awareness about airport zone regulations among contractors, architects, and the public.
Let safety, not convenience, guide our next steps.
🕯️ In memory of the victims of the Air India AI-171 crash — June 12, 2025.
🙏 May their souls rest in peace. We stand with their families in this time of sorrow.
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