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Flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will be suspended for six hours on Thursday (May 7) due to pre-monsoon maintenance
work, the authorities said. The closure will affect runway 09/27 and runway 14/32, making the Mumbai Airport non-operational during this period. This annual procedure is crucial for ensuring the infrastructure's longevity to guarantee safe operations during the rainy season.
Timings for Mumbai Airport Runway Closure
The airport will halt operations on May 7 (Thursday) for six hours, i.e. starting from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Why Mumbai Airport's Runway Will Stay Closed?
The Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), owned by the Adani Group, said the annual pre-monsoon maintenance is crucial for preserving the health and longevity of CSMIA's expansive airside infrastructure, covering 1,033 acres.
According to the release, the specialists will inspect runway surfaces for wear and tear, addressing preventive measures to ensure safe landings and take-offs during the monsoon season.
"CSMIA (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport) also leverages modern machinery and exhaustive planning to monitor the entire maintenance process, ensuring timely execution within the designated six-hour window," the release read.
Moreover, stakeholder coordination began six months earlier to help airlines realign flight schedules in advance. The maintenance is part of CSMIA’s annual monsoon readiness programme to ensure runway safety.
Advisory for Passengers
Passengers travelling from Mumbai Airport are advised to check with their respective airlines for updated flight timings and plan their journeys accordingly.
As the monsoon approaches, preventive actions are being taken by the airport to address annual monsoon challenges, including multiple runway inspections and the implementation of various pre-monsoon measures.
Earlier in November last year, as well, the Mumbai Airport shut down its runways for six hours for monsoon-related maintenance, stating that it was a routine exercise undertaken every year to ensure the safety and long-term reliability of one of the country’s busiest airports.
