Mumbai: Flight operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will come to a complete halt for six hours on Thursday due to scheduled runway maintenance. The temporary shutdown, part of the airport’s annual post-monsoon infrastructure upkeep, will affect all arrivals and departures during the announced window.

According to the airport authorities, both the primary runway (09/27) and the secondary runway (14/32) will remain closed between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., resulting in a full suspension of flight operations. The airport issued the announcement earlier this week, urging passengers to stay updated about airline notifications and revised flight timings.

Runways to undergo critical maintenance

CSMIA stated that the temporary closure is essential to maintain the highest levels of safety and operational reliability. The maintenance work is part of routine post-monsoon checks, during which engineering teams examine the overall health and durability of runway surfaces.

The inspection covers both micro and macro layers, focusing on detecting wear and tear caused by heavy aircraft movement. Mumbai airport, one of the busiest single-runway operations globally, handles close to 900 flight movements per day, increasing the importance of periodic structural maintenance.

Authorities highlighted that the repair work ensures the runways remain compliant with international aviation safety guidelines and provides long-term operational stability for airlines and passengers.

Advance notice issued to airlines

To avoid disruption and ensure smooth planning, CSMIA released a mandatory Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) six months in advance. The advance alert allows airlines to alter their schedules, adjust departure timings and avoid slot conflicts.

Airlines have already begun informing passengers about revised schedules for flights originally planned during the shutdown window. Passengers have been advised to check updated details with their respective carriers before leaving for the airport.

Airport issues passenger advisory

Ahead of the shutdown, CSMIA issued a detailed advisory urging flyers to plan their travel thoughtfully. The airport emphasised that while the temporary halt may cause inconvenience to some travellers, the maintenance work is vital for ensuring seamless operations during the peak travel season.

The advisory reiterated that safety remains the airport’s top priority and that these routine checks prevent larger technical issues that could impact future flight operations.

CSMIA’s expanding operational demands

Spread across approximately 1,033 acres, Mumbai airport features a complex network of runways, taxiways and parking bays. Its unique layout requires precise coordination, especially since the two runways intersect, making simultaneous operations impossible.

Despite these constraints, CSMIA consistently ranks among the world’s busiest single-runway airports. The high aircraft traffic increases the pressure on runway surfaces, making periodic maintenance crucial for reducing unexpected closures.

What passengers should do

Passengers scheduled to fly on Thursday during the affected hours should:

  • Check their revised flight timings through airline websites or apps
  • Arrive at the airport only after confirming the updated schedule
  • Expect potential delays on flights immediately before or after the closure window

Airport officials also recommend allowing extra travel time on the day to accommodate any changes that airlines may implement closer to departure.

Conclusion

Mumbai’s scheduled runway maintenance may temporarily disrupt travel plans, but the work ensures safer, smoother operations for lakhs of passengers passing through the airport every month. With advance planning and airline coordination already in motion, authorities expect minimal inconvenience. The airport will resume normal flight operations immediately after 5 p.m. on Thursday.