Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Nov 19: In a major operational update for travellers, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will suspend all flight movements for six hours on November 20, as part of its annual post-monsoon runway maintenance exercise.
Both the primary runway (09/27) and secondary runway (14/32) will remain completely closed from 11 am to 5 pm, with no arrivals or departures permitted during this period, airport authorities confirmed.
Issuing an advisory earlier this week, CSMIA stated that the maintenance shutdown is a routine but essential safety measure to ensure that the airport’s infrastructure remains fully aligned with global aviation standards.
In a post on X, the airport management announced:
“CSMIA will observe a scheduled runway closure on 20 November 2025 between 1100 hrs and 1700 hrs IST for annual post-monsoon maintenance. Thank you for your support as we continue to prioritise safe and efficient operations.”
Authorities added that a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) had been issued six months ago, giving airlines ample time to adjust flight schedules and minimise inconvenience to passengers.
During the six-hour window, engineering and airside management teams will carry out a comprehensive inspection of runway surfaces, including structural checks and detailed scanning of micro and macro layers affected by year-round aircraft movement.
CSMIA remains one of the busiest single-runway airports globally, handling nearly 900 flights daily. Spread across 1,033 acres, the facility is supported by an extensive system of runways, taxiways and aircraft aprons that require meticulous upkeep.
Passengers are advised to check revised flight schedules with their respective airlines to avoid any disruption to travel plans.