Daman’s Namo Airport Loses 200 Metres of Runway Due to 95-Foot Building

Despite having an 1,801-metre-long runway, Daman’s Namo Airport is currently able to use only 1,601 metres for aircraft landings because of a 95-foot-high building located near the airport. The obstruction, situated along the approach path of Runway 03, has raised serious questions over airport planning and safety.

The issue has come to light just days after direct flights between Daman and Delhi began operating under the UDAN scheme on July 16. The 46-seater aircraft service currently operates twice a week.

Only 1,601 metres of runway available for landings

According to aerodrome data, Daman Airport has a main runway measuring 1,801 metres in length and 45 metres in width. However, due to the presence of the 95-foot-tall building in the approach path, airport authorities have shifted the runway threshold by 200 metres as a safety measure.

As a result, aircraft effectively have only 1,601 metres of usable runway for landing operations.

The limitation makes it difficult for larger aircraft to operate at full capacity, often forcing airlines to impose load penalties. Aviation experts say the airport is currently suitable only for smaller regional aircraft such as the ATR-72 and Dash 8, which can accommodate around 76 passengers.

Expansion plans face challenges

Airport authorities are planning to extend the runway to 2,200 metres in the future to facilitate cargo operations and international flights. Land acquisition for the project is already underway.

However, experts warn that unless obstacles around the airport are removed, runway expansion alone may not solve the problem.

Official airport documents also identify several other obstructions in the vicinity, including high-rise buildings, industrial chimneys reaching 253 feet, communication towers and a hill standing 381 feet tall.

Authorities urged to regulate construction near airport

Experts have cautioned that Daman could face issues similar to those experienced at Surat Airport, where surrounding high-rise buildings have affected the effective use of the runway despite its expansion from 2,250 metres to 2,905 metres.

They have urged the administration to impose stricter controls on future construction around the airport and designate areas beneath flight paths as no high-construction zones.

In addition, authorities have been advised to make airport clearance mandatory for all construction projects and ensure better coordination with the Coast Guard.

Removal of building could restore full runway length

According to aviation experts, if the 95-foot building is removed, the entire 1,801-metre runway could become available for landing operations without requiring any immediate expansion.

Under aviation regulations, any construction within a 20-kilometre radius of an airport must obtain clearance through the No Objection Certificate Application System (NOCAS) portal. The approval process requires a GPS survey conducted by an authorised surveyor.