MUMBAI: Air travellers planning to fly in or out of Mumbai on Thursday, November 20, should brace for temporary disruption, as both runways at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will remain closed for six hours to facilitate the airport’s annual post-monsoon runway maintenance.
According to the airport operator, Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), all flight operations — including take-offs and landings — will be suspended between 11 am and 5 pm while engineers carry out essential infrastructure work.
🛫 Why the Closure Is Necessary
MIAL stated that this is a scheduled preventive maintenance exercise undertaken every year after the monsoon season to ensure operational safety and efficiency. The comprehensive runway inspection will focus on micro and macro structural integrity, including surface repair, lighting, drainage, and navigational systems — all of which undergo gradual wear and tear due to high-intensity flight activity.
CSMIA is among the busiest single-runway airports in the world, managing nearly 900 flight movements daily. Routine upkeep, therefore, plays a crucial role in maintaining its safety standards and airside reliability.
⚠️ Flights to Be Rescheduled
Airport authorities have issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) six months in advance, enabling airlines and operators to adjust their flight schedules well ahead of time.
“All stakeholders were informed early to minimize inconvenience to passengers,” MIAL said in its statement.
Travellers are advised to check their airline notifications or official CSMIA channels for rescheduled departure and arrival timings. Minor delays and congestion are expected before and after the closure window.
🧭 About CSMIA
Spread over 1,033 acres, the Mumbai airport features a complex airside layout comprising two intersecting runways (09/27 and 14/32), taxiways, and aprons. Despite being a dual-runway system, only one operates at a time due to their intersection design — making efficient maintenance all the more vital.
The maintenance activity underscores Mumbai airport’s commitment to ensuring passenger safety, structural integrity, and readiness for the upcoming winter travel season.
Originally published on newsworldstime.com.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
