Mumbai International Airport Runways To Remain Closed On October 17 For This Reason

The Mumbai International Airport on Friday announced that both their runways will remain closed on October 17 owing to some post-monsoon maintenance work. The maintenance would take place between 11 am to 5 pm.

The authorities have stated that the purpose of the planned temporary shutdown is to conduct repair and maintenance work to maintain the airport's infrastructure at optimum levels.

A statement by the spokesperson of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport stated, "As a part of CSMIA's comprehensive post-monsoon runaway maintenance plan, both runways - RWY 09/27, and RWY 14/32 will be temporarily non-operational on October 17. This scheduled temporary closure is a part of CSMIA's annual post-monsoon preventive maintenance plan. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has also been duly issued in this regard six months in advance."

The statement further read, "This yearly practice of runway maintenance post monsoons is a part of the series of activities undertaken with precision and meticulous efforts ensuring operational continuity and passenger safety, thus bringing to life to vision of imbibing passenger first approach at the core of our operations."

During this monsoon, Mumbai has experienced significant rain, leading to periodic waterlogging. On Friday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) gave a yellow warning for heavy to extraordinary rain in isolated parts of the city. Light to moderate rain is expected in Mumbai from Saturday.

Meanwhile, on September 14, a private plane slipped off the runway at Mumbai airport, causing injuries to eight individuals, including the pilot and co-pilot. This incident involved a Learjet 45, VT-DBL model, operated by VSR Ventures, on a flight from Vizag to Mumbai. The incident occurred during the landing under heavy rain, leading to low visibility.