Taller Buildings Around Airports Soon? Meet the Man Who Helped Shape the Change

It took 10 years, but civil aviation expert 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.

- Esther Loi

The long journey, said the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) officer and chairman of the ICAO task force reviewing building height restrictions around 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 the availability of navigational equipment, to make a case for customised regulations that cater to the changing needs of airports.

Besides all 14 member states in the task force needing to contribute to the review, the 193 ICAO member states also had to come to a consensus on 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—potentially up to 15 storeys taller if they are residential, and up to nine storeys taller if they are industrial or commercial.

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