The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has declined to share data from a fresh obstacle survey around Surat airport under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, citing third-party confidentiality. This decision has raised concerns among citizens regarding public safety and property purchases.
Background of the Issue
The matter came to light when a Surat resident, intending to buy an apartment in the Vesu or Althan areas, filed an RTI application in March. The application sought details of the latest Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) survey and a list of buildings classified as obstacles near the airport. The AAI had initiated the OLS survey for Surat airport in August, well ahead of its scheduled timeline of January 2026, following the Ahmedabad plane crash. Although the survey has been completed, the details of newly identified obstacles have not been made public. The previous OLS survey at Surat airport was conducted in 2022.
AAI's Response Under RTI
In response to the RTI application, the AAI's Public Information Officer denied access to the verified and officially recorded obstacle height data. The denial was based on third-party confidentiality provisions under the RTI Act, which protect information provided by third parties.
Citizen Concerns
Rajesh Modi, who has been closely monitoring OLS surveys for the past two decades, emphasized that the information has a direct bearing on public safety and citizens' financial security. He stated, "I am thinking of buying a property in the area around the airport. It is Surat citizens' hard-earned money, which should not be wasted due to the lack of an obstacle list. It is the right of people to know which buildings are classed as obstacles. That is the heart of the OLS, which takes place every three to four years."
History of OLS Surveys at Surat Airport
The first OLS survey at Surat airport was conducted in 2007. Subsequent surveys were held in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, following a controversy over alleged illegal constructions that surfaced in 2016. The most recent survey before the current one was carried out in 2022. The latest survey, originally due in January 2026, was advanced and launched in August 2025.
The lack of transparency regarding obstacle data has left potential property buyers in a state of uncertainty, as they are unable to verify whether their intended purchases are in safe zones. The AAI's refusal to share the data under RTI has further exacerbated these concerns, with citizens calling for greater accountability and disclosure to ensure both safety and informed decision-making.
