Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, May 6: Flight operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will be suspended for six hours on May 7, from 11 am to 5 pm, due to pre-monsoon maintenance work on both runways.
The temporary closure will affect runway 09/27 and runway 14/32, rendering the airport non-operational during the scheduled period. Officials said the maintenance is part of the annual monsoon preparedness plan to ensure safe and smooth operations during the heavy rains in the city.
Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) stated that the work is essential to maintain the extensive airside infrastructure spread across 1,033 acres.
Keeping in mind the impact on one of the world’s busiest airports, authorities said consultations with airlines and stakeholders were held six months in advance, allowing carriers to adjust their schedules accordingly.
“As part of CSMIA’s comprehensive monsoon contingency plan, stakeholder consultations were conducted well in advance to enable airlines to plan and reschedule flights,” MIAL said.
The airport has witnessed significant disruptions in recent months. On March 8, as many as 66 flight movements were cancelled, including 32 arrivals and 34 departures. Earlier, on March 3, a total of 107 flights—54 arrivals and 53 departures—were cancelled amid the West Asia conflict, causing inconvenience to passengers.
Passengers scheduled to travel on May 7 have been advised to check with their respective airlines for updated flight timings.