Mumbai, May 07: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport will suspend all flight operations for six hours on Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., as both runways undergo scheduled pre-monsoon maintenance work.
The temporary shutdown will affect runway 09/27 and runway 14/32, rendering the airport fully non-operational during the maintenance window.
According to Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), the exercise is part of the airport’s annual monsoon preparedness programme aimed at ensuring operational safety and smooth flight operations during Mumbai’s heavy rainfall season.
Advance Planning to Reduce Passenger Inconvenience
Airport authorities said extensive consultations with airlines and stakeholders were initiated nearly six months ago to help carriers adjust schedules in advance and minimise disruptions for passengers.
“As part of CSMIA’s comprehensive monsoon contingency plan, stakeholder consultation was carried out six months in advance to notify airlines and other stakeholders, enabling airlines to adjust their flight schedules well ahead of time,” the airport operator said.
Recent Operational Disruptions
The airport has experienced several operational disruptions in recent months. On March 8, a total of 66 air traffic movements were cancelled, including 32 arrivals and 34 departures.
Earlier, on March 3, operations were impacted more severely, with 107 cancellations recorded, including 54 arrivals and 53 departures.
These disruptions were linked to the ongoing tensions in West Asia, which affected airline schedules and caused inconvenience to passengers, with many stranded at the airport.
