Mumbai Airport Runways To Remain Closed From 11 AM To 5 PM Today

Flight operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will remain suspended for six hours on Thursday as both of the airport’s runways undergo scheduled pre-monsoon maintenance work. According to airport authorities, operations will be halted from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., during which the airport will be completely non-operational.

The temporary shutdown will affect runway 09/27 and runway 14/32, both of which are being closed as part of the airport’s annual monsoon preparedness programme. Officials said the maintenance exercise is aimed at ensuring operational safety and maintaining smooth aircraft movement during Mumbai’s intense rainy season, which often poses challenges for airport infrastructure and flight operations.

Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), the operator of CSMIA, stated that the scheduled work is essential for maintaining the airport’s extensive airside infrastructure, which spans more than 1,000 acres. The airport is among the busiest aviation hubs in India and handles a large volume of domestic and international traffic daily, making advance planning crucial for minimizing disruption.

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Airport authorities said preparations for the temporary closure began nearly six months ago through consultations with airlines and other stakeholders. Airlines were informed well in advance so they could modify schedules, reschedule flights and make alternate arrangements for passengers. According to MIAL, the coordinated planning process was designed to reduce inconvenience and ensure smoother management during the maintenance window.

The airport operator noted that the runway closure forms part of a broader monsoon contingency strategy that is carried out annually before the onset of heavy rains in Mumbai. Pre-monsoon inspections and repairs are considered critical because waterlogging and poor runway conditions during the monsoon can significantly affect flight safety and airport efficiency.

CSMIA has faced several operational disruptions in recent months. On March 8, airport authorities recorded 66 flight cancellations, including 32 arrivals and 34 departures. Earlier, on March 3, more than 100 flight movements were cancelled, affecting both incoming and outgoing passengers. Those disruptions were linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which impacted international flight operations and caused delays and inconvenience for travelers.

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