When you plan to construct a building, tower, chimney, mast, wind turbine, transmission line or any tall structure near a civil airport in India, you must obtain height clearance from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) before starting your project. This clearance is issued in the form of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) through an online process managed by the AAI’s No Objection Certificate Application System (NOCAS).
Why Height Clearance Is Mandatory
The primary purpose of height clearance is to ensure aviation safety. Tall structures that infringe on flight paths can interfere with aircraft operations, obstruct navigation equipment, or compromise runway approaches and departures. To safeguard flying aircraft and passengers, the Government of India has made it compulsory to secure a height NOC under the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s Height Restrictions Rules (GSR 751(E)) before construction begins. Without this NOC, construction plans cannot be approved by local authorities and could lead to legal and safety penalties.
Who Needs to Apply for Height Clearance
The requirement applies if your project:
Is located within a defined radius (e.g., 20 km for some airports or 56 km for larger IFR airports) from the airport’s Aerodrome Reference Point (ARP), and
Exceeds certain height thresholds based on the Colour-Coded Zoning Map (CCZM) released by AAI.
Even local authorities and builders must consider these restrictions before issuing building permits. In many cities, height clearance is now integrated into building bylaws, meaning construction will only be approved if it complies with AAI’s permissible height guidelines.
Step-by-Step Process to Get Height Clearance from AAI
1. Check Permissible Height Using CCZM
Before applying, review the Colour-Coded Zoning Map (CCZM) for your airport. This map divides the surrounding area into zones (usually red, yellow, pink, green, etc.) showing maximum permissible heights based on how far the zone is from the runway and related operational surfaces. If your proposed structure falls below the CCZM height for your plot, in many cases you may not need a separate AAI NOC.
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However, if your proposed height is above CCZM limits, or if local bylaws demand it, proceed with the online application.
2. Register on the NOCAS Portal
Visit AAI’s NOCAS portal and create an account by registering as a new user:
Go to nocas2.aai.aero/nocas
Complete the registration with a valid email ID and other essential details.
Activate your account via the link sent to your email.
Once registered, log in to start the application process.
3. Prepare Your Application and Documents
Accurate documentation is key. Typical documents you’ll need include:
Site Location Plan duly approved by local civic authorities.
Surveyed Site Elevation Certificate (in AMSL) and coordinates in WGS-84 datum from a licensed surveyor or authorized agency.
Scanned copies of project drawings, land titles, structural plans and other relevant certifications as stipulated for your structure type.
Undertakings or affidavits as required by the application checklist.
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Make sure you follow the document guidelines provided on NOCAS to prevent delays or rejection.
4. Submit Your Application Online
After uploading all required documents and filling in the details:
Submit the application and note your unique NOC ID.
This ID helps you track the status of your application and is used in all future correspondence.
AAI will issue a printable application summary that you must carry forward for hard copy submission.
5. Submit Hard Copies to AAI Office
Once the online application is submitted:
Take a printout of the application (with NOC ID) and the supporting documents.
Submit two hard copies to the designated AAI officer at the nearest airport as indicated in the NOCAS portal.
This office will preliminarily scrutinize the documents before forwarding them to the Regional NOC Cell for assessment.
6. Review and Decision by AAI
The application is evaluated by AAI’s specialist committee which assesses:
Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) and aeronautical ground aids (AGA).
Impact on communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) systems.
Inputs from flight procedures and safety experts.
AAI then issues one of the following:
No Objection (full) for the requested height with conditions,
No Objection (restricted) with modified permissible height and conditions, or
Objection/Rejection with detailed reasons.
7. Appeal or Revalidation (if needed)
If your application is rejected or if you need a higher height than initially granted, you can:
Apply for review/appeal through the NOCAS portal, or
Apply for revalidation if your NOC is nearing expiration.
Tips for a Smooth Approval
Plan early: Clearance can take weeks to months depending on complexity.
Accurate elevation data is crucial — errors can lead to rejection.
Stay updated with local building bylaws, as some municipalities now integrate AAI height limits directly into their approval process.
Conclusion
Obtaining height clearance from the Airport Authority of India is a legal and safety prerequisite for tall structures near airports. With the NOCAS online system, the process has become more transparent and manageable, but it still requires careful preparation of documents, accurate site data, and compliance with aviation safety norms. Planning your project with these steps in mind will help you secure timely clearance and avoid costly delays or legal issues.
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