Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will halt all flight operations for six hours on November 20 to carry out its annual post-monsoon runway maintenance. Both the primary and secondary runways will be closed between 11 am and 5 pm, during which no arrivals or departures will take place. Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), the airport operator, confirmed that this closure is a mandatory safety measure designed to ensure “safety, reliability, and compliance with global aviation standards.”
MIAL noted that this maintenance is part of a pre-scheduled activity, with a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued six months in advance. This advance communication allows airlines and stakeholders to adjust flight schedules and manage crew assignments, aiming to reduce inconvenience for passengers.
The maintenance programme includes detailed inspections, surface repairs, and assessments of essential infrastructure such as runway lighting, markings, and drainage systems. Engineers will also examine the micro and macro structures of the runway surfaces, which experience gradual wear due to daily flight operations. Officials stress that such preventive maintenance is crucial for sustaining the long-term safety and operational efficiency of the airport.
Passengers flying to or from Mumbai on November 20 are strongly advised to verify their flight status with airlines. Despite the advance notice, minor disruptions and delays may occur around the closure period. With around 900 flight movements daily, this six-hour shutdown is a major logistical effort, reinforcing CSMIA’s commitment to a “safety-first” operational approach.
