Mumbai Airport To Close Runways For Essential Maintenance: What Passengers Need To Know

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is set to temporarily suspend runway operations later this month for essential maintenance, as reported by mid-day. The airport's two key runways, RWY 09/27 and RWY 14/32, will be closed on October 17 from 11 am to 5 pm. This closure is part of a detailed post-monsoon maintenance program aimed at ensuring that the airport continues to meet global safety standards.

According to an official airport statement, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued six months in advance to give airlines and other stakeholders ample time to make necessary schedule adjustments. This proactive step ensures minimal disruption to passengers. Airlines have refrained from selling tickets for flights scheduled during the six-hour maintenance period, allowing for a smooth flow of operations and avoiding last-minute cancellations.

Photo Credit: PTI

The airport's statement highlighted the importance of this maintenance, describing it as an annual preventive measure. "The annual maintenance focuses on repairing and reinforcing the airport's infrastructure, particularly after the monsoon season. It is essential to ensure that the runways are capable of safely managing high traffic volumes and continue to comply with international safety standards," the statement read.

An official from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) added further insight into the process, noting that airlines had already stopped selling tickets for flights operating during the closure period. For passengers who had booked tickets prior to the issuance of the NOTAM, airlines have made adjustments by offering alternative flights outside the runway closure window. This ensures minimal disruption, as there will be no runway movements during the six-hour maintenance window.

The closure, scheduled from 11 am to 5 pm on October 17, will see the airport resume normal operations immediately afterwards, ensuring that the maintenance work is completed efficiently.