Mumbai Airport To Shut Both Runways For 6 Hours On May 7 For Pre-Monsoon Maintenance

Mumbai’s primary aviation hub, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), will temporarily suspend all runway operations for six hours on May 7 as part of its annual pre-monsoon maintenance exercise, a critical safety measure undertaken every year ahead of the rainy season.

According to airport authorities, both runways — the primary 09/27 and the secondary 14/32 — will remain non-operational between 11 am and 5 pm. During this period, no flight arrivals or departures will take place, requiring airlines to reschedule or adjust their operations well in advance.

Officials said the groundwork for this temporary shutdown began nearly six months ago, with extensive coordination involving airlines, aviation regulators, and other stakeholders.

This early planning has allowed carriers to realign their schedules, minimising inconvenience to passengers and ensuring smoother traffic management on the day of the maintenance.

The exercise is part of CSMIA’s broader monsoon preparedness programme, which focuses on ensuring that the airport’s critical infrastructure can withstand heavy rainfall and challenging weather conditions typical of Mumbai’s monsoon. Spread across more than 1,000 acres, the airport’s airside infrastructure undergoes detailed inspection during this period.

Specialist teams will assess runway surfaces for cracks, wear and tear, and any potential vulnerabilities that could affect aircraft operations. Preventive repairs and reinforcement work will be carried out using modern equipment to ensure optimal runway performance. The aim is to maintain high safety standards, particularly during wet conditions when runway grip and drainage become crucial for aircraft landings and take-offs.

Airport authorities emphasised that the maintenance window has been carefully planned to ensure completion within the six-hour timeframe. Advanced machinery and precise execution strategies will be deployed to avoid any spillover that could impact flight schedules beyond the designated period.

While such temporary shutdowns may cause short-term inconvenience, officials underline that these measures are essential for long-term operational safety and efficiency. The proactive approach, they say, reflects Mumbai airport’s commitment to reliability and passenger safety.

Passengers travelling on May 7 are advised to check with their respective airlines for updated flight timings and plan their journeys accordingly.