MoCA, AAI simplify aviation NOC process

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu has directed officials to overhaul the No Objection Certificate (NOC) process to accelerate airport infrastructure development. The proposed reforms aim to create an automated, transparent, and time-bound clearance mechanism without compromising aviation safety standards. The move targets the creation of a simpler framework for public members, builders, and industry stakeholders seeking approval for construction near airports.

This initiative seeks to promote Ease of Doing Business within the sector.

Targeting a Hassle-Free Clearance Mechanism

Naidu held a meeting with senior officers from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to review measures for promoting Ease of Doing Business in the sector. The discussions focused on simplifying the issuance of NOCs, which currently require multiple levels of approval. The goal is to reduce manual intervention and make the procedure fully automated.

Officials reviewed the existing coverage of the No Objection Certificate Application System (NOCAS). Presently, the system covers areas within 20 kilometers for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations and 56 kilometers for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations. The meeting considered the feasibility of issuing NOCs at the Urban Local Body (ULB) level, wherever possible. This change would reduce the need for applicants to approach AAI directly for basic clearances.

In major metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, the discussion turned toward providing permissible building heights to applicants at the initial stage. Officials noted that sharing this data upfront allows stakeholders to plan their development in accordance with height restrictions. This approach is intended to help applicants make informed decisions early in the process.

Related: Frasers Hospitality opens Fraser Residence Putrajaya

Another area of focus was the Aeronautical Studies process. The officers discussed minimizing physical verification requirements at the initial stage and rationalizing the submission of Building Development Plans. These changes are intended to expedite approvals while maintaining necessary regulatory oversight.

Decentralizing Approval for Faster Implementation

The Minister directed the concerned officers to work out the modalities for decentralizing the NOC process. This includes implementing the above measures within a timeline of 15 days. The overall objective is to ensure expeditious clearance of proposals with relevant data made transparently available in the public domain.

By removing bureaucratic bottlenecks, the reforms aim to support timely implementation of infrastructure projects. A predictable and transparent NOC framework is expected to facilitate investment and economic activity. This, in turn, supports employment generation and contributes to overall GDP growth.

Specific attention was given to the nature of the documentation involved in the Aeronautical Studies process. The review involved exploring the possibility of minimizing the requirement for physical verification at the site during the initial stages. Additionally, the process for submitting Building Development Plans and other necessary documentation was rationalized to further streamline the workflow. These adjustments are designed to expedite approvals while ensuring that all regulatory requirements related to aviation safety continue to be duly addressed.

The Minister also emphasized the need to make the NOC process hassle-free, transparent, automated and time-bound, with minimal manual intervention. The proposed reforms are aimed at facilitating members of the general public, societies, builders and industry while ensuring that the regulatory requirements related to aviation safety continue to be duly addressed. Furthermore, the reforms seek to ensure expeditious and time-bound clearance of proposals, with relevant data and permissible height information made transparently available in the public domain, including through the website.