An AAI NOC objection reply is the written response you file when AAI rejects your application or grants less height than you asked for. Below are the routes (resubmission, review and appeal), ready-to-edit formats and examples. To avoid the problem first, see the common airport NOC rejection reasons.
Quick Answer
- AAI has no single form called objection reply. Your reply depends on what went wrong.
- Rejected at document stage: fix the reasons given and resubmit with a point-wise reply.
- Lower height granted: file one review with the Designated Officer, or an appeal to the Appellate Committee (fee ₹2,00,000 plus GST).
- Heights already granted in an NOC cannot be reduced on review or appeal during the NOC’s validity.
What “AAI NOC Objection” Really Means
People use the phrase for four different situations:
| Situation | Where you are | Correct reply route |
|---|---|---|
| Documents rejected at verification | Application not accepted | Correct and resubmit with point-wise reply |
| NOC granted with lower height than requested | After NOC | Review (once) or appeal |
| NOC granted, but you want more height | After NOC | Review (once) or appeal |
| Notice about an existing structure | After construction | Written reply to the issuing authority, backed by survey data |
If you are still deciding whether you need an NOC at all, start with what is AAI NOC and who needs it and the 5-minute AAI NOC required checklist.
Step Zero: Read the Reason Before You Write
AAI’s circular says that when the document verification user rejects an application, it must be done within three working days and the applicant must be told the reasons. NOCAS also keeps applicants informed through SMS and email at all stages. So:
- Read the exact reason on your NOCAS dashboard and email.
- Match it to a specific rule, such as the survey, certificate or undertaking requirement.
- Fix the root cause first. A well-written letter cannot fix wrong coordinates.
Route 1: Reply to a Document-Stage Rejection
Most rejections are about data, not height. Here are common objections and how to answer them.
| Objection | What to fix | Sample reply line |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinates do not match the plot | Resurvey and certify all corners plus the point nearest the airport | “Revised certified WGS-84 coordinates of all corners and the nearest point to the airport are attached.” |
| Plot above 300 sq m with missing corners | Add every corner, including the highest point | “Coordinates and elevation of all corners are now provided as required for plots above 300 sq m.” |
| Elevation certificate from an unauthorised source | Get it re-issued by an authorised agency or licensed professional | “Elevation certificate is re-issued by [authority], with accuracy within 0.5 m AMSL.” |
| Highest ground point not entered | Add the maximum elevation point | “The highest ground elevation of the plot is now entered and certified.” |
| Undertaking 1A or authorisation letter missing | Upload the signed form on the prescribed stamp paper | “Signed Undertaking 1A and authorisation letter are attached.” |
| Structure inside airport premises | Attach the airport operator’s permission | “Permission letter from the airport operator is enclosed.” |
For the data side, see our guides on documents required for airport height clearance NOC, NOCAS application documentation, site elevation survey for airport NOC and AMSL elevation certificate.
Format A: Point-wise reply note (edit and upload with corrected documents)
To: The Designated Officer, AAI NOC Office, [Region]
Subject: Reply to observations and corrected documents, NOCAS Application ID [____]
Site: [address, survey/plot number]
Reference: Your communication dated 2026 stating: "[reason]".
Observation 1: [as stated by AAI]
Our reply: [what was wrong and what has been corrected]
Document attached: Annexure A ([certificate/coordinates/undertaking])
Observation 2: [...]
Our reply: [...]
Document attached: Annexure B
We confirm that the corrected coordinates and elevation are certified by
[authority/professional, registration no.] and meet the accuracy of 0.5 m AMSL.
Kindly consider the application for further processing.
[Name, owner/authorised signatory] | [Mobile] | [Email] | [Date]If the application is closed, check on NOCAS whether you must file a fresh application with the corrected data. The procedure on the portal decides this.
Route 2: Review Application (Once Only)
You can file a review with the Designated Officer, once only, with Undertaking 1D, in two cases:
- you did not get the requested height; or
- you got the requested height but want more.
The Undertaking 1D is filed on a ₹10 non-judicial stamp paper and states whether construction is yet to start, in progress or completed. The review is dealt with by the NOC Committee. A review works best when you bring new facts: a corrected survey, a revised plan with lower top elevation, or a changed design.
Format B: Review application letter
To: The Designated Officer, AAI NOC Office, [Region]
Subject: Review application under Para 14, ATMC 6 of 2017
NOC ID / Letter No.: [____] dated [____]
Site: [address]; coordinates: [WGS-84]
1. NOC was granted for a permissible top elevation of [__] m AMSL against
the requested [__] m AMSL.
2. We request a review on the following grounds:
a) [corrected survey / revised plan / changed building design]
b) [supporting reason, with annexure reference]
3. Revised proposed top elevation: [__] m AMSL. Plans are enclosed (Annexure A).
4. Undertaking 1D is enclosed. Construction status: [yet to start / in progress / completed up to __ m AMSL].
We request reassessment of the permissible top elevation.
[Name, owner/authorised signatory] | [Date]Route 3: Appeal to the Appellate Committee
If you are not satisfied with the height granted, you may appeal for a higher height within the NOC’s validity period. Appeals filed after expiry are not considered. Key points from AAI’s circular and FAQ:
- Who files: the owner or an entity legally authorised, addressed to the Chairman, Appellate Committee, clearly mentioning the site or proposed building.
- Fee: ₹2,00,000 plus GST, paid through the NOCAS payment gateway for online applications.
- Documents: Undertaking 1D on ₹10 stamp paper, the NOC letter, a justification letter from the architect citing the State or local-body rules under which the requested height is permissible, and a location, elevation and layout plan with WGS-84 coordinates of all corners and buildings.
- Handling: the NOC Section at AAI headquarters processes appeals, and the Appellate Committee set up by the Ministry of Civil Aviation decides them.
Format C: Appeal letter
To: The Chairman, Appellate Committee, c/o AAI (NOC Section), New DelhiSubject: Appeal for higher permissible top elevation
Site / Proposed building: [name, address, coordinates]
NOC ID / Letter No.: [____] dated [____], valid till [____]
1. Applicant: [name], [owner / legally authorised entity].
2. Requested top elevation: [__] m AMSL. Granted: [__] m AMSL.
3. Grounds of appeal:
a) The requested height is permissible under [State/local rule, with citation],
as certified in the architect's justification letter (Annexure B).
b) [Technical justification, with survey/plan references.]
4. Enclosures: NOC copy; Undertaking 1D; justification letter; location,
elevation and layout plans with WGS-84 coordinates; fee payment proof of
₹2,00,000 plus GST.
5. We request an aeronautical or shielding study if the Committee considers it necessary.
[Name, designation] | [Signature] | [Date]Route 4: Aeronautical Study
If AAI decides a study is needed, the applicant submits Undertaking 1E on ₹100 stamp paper. Under the 2017 circular, the study fee is ₹20,00,000 plus GST, and AAI treats it as a deposit work with an undertaking to finish in four months, subject to delays beyond its control. The Appellate Committee decides after the study report, and a revised NOC is valid for 8 years from its issue date. The result may differ from your earlier height, and you must accept the revised elevation.
Notices on Existing Structures
A notice about a built structure is a different matter. Reply in writing before the deadline in the notice, attach a surveyed as-built top elevation and your NOC, and take legal advice if demolition or penalties are mentioned. If your site is near a military airfield, read defence IAF height clearance NOC, defence NOC in India, NOC from local military authority for construction and defence NOC vs AAI NOC.
Tips for a Strong Reply
- Answer each observation point by point. Do not write general paragraphs.
- Attach evidence for every claim, labelled as annexures.
- Keep numbers consistent across the survey, plan and application.
- Use AMSL for heights, with WGS-84 coordinates.
- Propose a revised design if the height is above the permitted level. Our building height clearance AAI NOC guide explains how heights are checked.
- Track the timeline. See the AAI NOC approval timeline for what to expect.
Mistakes That Weaken an Objection Reply
- Arguing without new data or documents
- Missing the NOC’s validity period for an appeal
- Filing a second review (only one is allowed)
- Starting construction before the NOC is granted
- Ignoring the difference between AAI NOC and DGCA clearance. See AAI NOC vs DGCA clearance.
- Treating a city-specific rule as universal. The legal background is in GSR 751(E) airport NOC rules.
Structure Types and Special Cases
Telecom masts follow separate rules (see mobile tower airport NOC rules). Renewable projects have their own pages for solar power project AAI NOC and wind turbine and windmill AAI NOC. For zone checks, use the VFR vs IFR airport NOC distance zones and the colour coded zoning map guide. The step-by-step portal flow is in the NOCAS portal application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an AAI NOC objection reply?
It is a written response to a rejection, a lower granted height or a notice. The route is resubmission, review or appeal, depending on the stage.
How many times can I file a review?
Once only, with Undertaking 1D.
What is the appeal fee?
₹2,00,000 plus GST, according to AAI’s FAQ.
Can AAI reduce my height after a review or appeal?
No. Once a height is granted through an NOC, it cannot be reduced on review or appeal during the NOC’s validity.
Until when can I appeal?
Within the NOC’s validity period of 8 years. Expired NOCs are not considered.
Do I need an architect’s letter for an appeal?
Yes. AAI’s circular asks for a justification letter from the architect citing the State or local rules under which the requested height is permissible.
Does AAI have a fixed format for the cover letter?
No. The mandatory items are the certified survey data and the prescribed undertakings. The cover letters above are drafting aids.
Need Help Preparing Your Reply?
Send us your rejection reason or NOC letter, and our team will identify the right route and prepare the survey data. Visit Surveying India, explore our airport NOC survey services in India or contact us. We also support projects in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. Always confirm current forms and fees on the NOCAS FAQ and the Ministry of Civil Aviation website.
Last updated: 29 October 2026. Sample formats are for guidance. They do not replace AAI’s prescribed forms or legal advice.
