Mumbai Airport Shuts Runways For Maintenance, Seeks Passenger Cooperation

In a planned maintenance operation, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai will temporarily shut down for six hours today, from 11 am to 5 pm on October 17. The airport operator has made the announcement, citing essential post-monsoon maintenance work that will take place on both of its runways, temporarily halting all flight operations.

As part of CSMIA's annual post-monsoon runway maintenance program, both runways, RWY 09/27 and RWY 14/32, will be non-operational during this six-hour window. The airport management has worked closely with all key stakeholders to schedule flights effectively, ensuring a seamless completion of the maintenance work. Airlines and other concerned parties were given a six-month advance notice through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).

The maintenance work focuses on inspecting the runway surfaces for any wear and tear that may have occurred over the past six months. The primary objective is to ensure the continued safety and efficiency of flight operations. Earlier this year, on May 2, the airport conducted pre-monsoon maintenance and repair activities on both runways.

Mumbai's international airport is a bustling hub, handling nearly 900 flights per day. The authorities have appealed to passengers for their cooperation and support during this temporary closure. With domestic air traffic at CSMIA having reached 108% of pre-pandemic levels in August 2019, the recent surge in passenger numbers highlights the significance of the airport to the region.

In recent months, the airport recorded substantial growth in both domestic and international air traffic, with a 32% year-on-year increase in passenger numbers, totalling over 4.32 million. International air traffic also soared by 33%, with more than 1.1 million passengers.

During this period, there were a total of 20,711 domestic flights and 6,960 international air traffic movements at the airport, emphasizing the importance of timely maintenance to uphold the airport's infrastructure to the highest standards. Passengers are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly and allow for this temporary disruption as the airport strives to ensure the safety and efficiency of its operations.