Safeguarding at our airports

Cranes

Cranes can cause a serious hazard to flight safety. They can penetrate the protected surfaces around an airport, which are designed to protect safe operation. Cranes can affect an airports:

  • Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs)
  • Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS)
  • Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) facilities such as navigational aids or radar.

To reduce flight safety risks, anyone operating a crane or tall construction equipment in the area of a HIAL airport will require a permit. Crane or construction equipment under 10m high or surrounded by trees or structures that are taller are exempt.

Operators must provide ten days’ notice to airports prior to using a crane or other tall construction equipment. This is to allow the relevant assessments to be carried out. However, we do appreciate there may be circumstances where emergency crane hire is required. In these circumstances we will endeavour to process your application as soon as possible.

If the initial assessment highlights an impact, further detailed assessment will be required. This requires consultation with external agencies and could extend the time to grant a permit.

Apply for a crane permit.

Charges:

Please note – HIAL will be introducing charges for crane permits. TBC. This page will be updated with the costs, payment process and applicability date once known.