Why Mumbai Airport will suspend operations from 11am-5pm tomorrow
What's the story
Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will temporarily suspend flight operations for six hours tomorrow. The suspension is due to the annual post-monsoon maintenance of its two runways, which are crucial for ensuring safety and reliability. The main runway (09/27) and secondary runway (14/32) will be closed from 11:00am to 5:00pm, with no take-offs or landings allowed during this period.
Preemptive measures
Airport issues advance notice for scheduled maintenance
The airport had issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) six months in advance, permitting airlines and other stakeholders to adjust their schedules accordingly. This proactive measure is aimed at ensuring smooth coordination across operations and minimizing passenger inconvenience during the maintenance window. The NOTAM is a critical communication tool for personnel involved in flight operations.
Maintenance
Maintenance includes detailed inspections and repairs
The annual maintenance will include detailed inspections of runway surfaces, surface repairs, and technical assessments of runway lighting, markings, and drainage systems. CSMIA is one of the world's busiest single-runway airports with nearly 900 flights a day. It covers an area of approximately 1,033 acres with a complex network of runways, taxiways and aircraft aprons.