SINGAPORE – It took 10 years, but Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) officer Fadzil Mohamed Jakaria finally saw his hard work come to fruition when the International Civil Aviation Organisation (Icao) announced revisions to height limits of buildings near airports on March 28.

The long journey, said the chairman of the Icao task force reviewing height limits of buildings near airports, was “extremely painful”.

Icao is a United Nations agency that oversees global aviation standards and practices.

The review took 10 years as it involved compiling data for different types of aircraft, flight performance, flight procedures at various airports, as well as availability of navigational equipment, to make a case for customised regulations that cater to changing needs of airports. 

Besides all 14 member states in the task force having to come to a consensus, the 193 Icao members also had to agree to the changes.

“But in the end, when you see things get approved, and at the same time, people see benefits and gains from it, it is rewarding that you are part of this whole process,” Mr Fadzil added.

With the change,

buildings located around airports in Singapore can soon be built to greater heights

The Government said the move could open up opportunities for businesses and has the potential to increase the overall housing supply.

The revised aviation height restrictions will be adopted here in August. The Government will subsequently study how buildings in some areas can be built higher in the future, the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore said on June 25.