Mumbai Airport to Remain Shut for 6 Hours on 17 Oct, Here's Why

Mumbai: Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will suspend flight operations for six hours on October 17 to carry out its annual post-monsoon runway maintenance. According to Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), the temporary closure is scheduled from 11 AM to 5 PM, during which both cross runways — RWY 09/27 and RWY 14/32 — will be non-operational.

"As a part of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport’s (CSMIA) comprehensive post-monsoon runway maintenance plan, the cross runways — RWY 09/27 and RWY 14/32 — will be temporarily non-operational on October 17, 2024, from 11 am to 5 pm,” MIAL said in the statement.

NOTAM Issued in Advance for Seamless Coordination

In preparation for the temporary shutdown, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued six months in advance. This proactive measure allowed flight schedules to be coordinated with key stakeholders, ensuring minimal disruption to passengers and operational continuity.

Maintenance Aimed at Ensuring Global Standards

The planned closure is essential for conducting repair and maintenance activities to maintain the airport’s infrastructure in accordance with global safety standards. MIAL emphasized that this maintenance is part of its regular post-monsoon preventive program aimed at ensuring passenger safety and operational efficiency.

The airport has reiterated that this annual practice is carried out with precision to safeguard smooth operations while adhering to a safety-first approach in airside operations.