Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport will remain temporarily shut for six hours on May 7, 2026, as authorities undertake scheduled pre-monsoon runway maintenance and repair work ahead of the upcoming rainy season. The temporary suspension of operations is expected to impact both domestic and international flight schedules, prompting airport officials and airlines to advise passengers to closely monitor their travel plans.
According to an official notification issued by Mumbai airport authorities, both runways at the airport — Runway 09/27 and Runway 14/32 — will remain non-operational from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Thursday. During this period, no aircraft will be allowed to take off or land at one of India’s busiest aviation hubs.
The airport administration stated that the closure is part of its annual pre-monsoon preparedness programme designed to ensure operational safety during Mumbai’s intense monsoon season. Officials explained that the maintenance work is critical because heavy rainfall can significantly affect runway conditions, aircraft braking systems and drainage infrastructure if preventive inspections and repairs are not completed on time.
In its official statement, Mumbai airport said: “On 7 May 2026, both runways (09/27 and 14/32) at Mumbai Airport will be temporarily non-operational from 11:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs for scheduled pre-monsoon maintenance and repair work. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.”
The six-hour shutdown is expected to result in flight cancellations, delays and rescheduling across several airlines operating through Mumbai. However, airport officials clarified that airlines had been informed about the temporary closure well in advance so that flight schedules could be adjusted accordingly.
Passengers travelling through Mumbai on May 7 have been strongly advised to check their flight status directly with their respective airlines before leaving for the airport. Authorities have also recommended that travellers allow extra time for connecting flights and remain alert for updated notifications regarding schedule changes.
Despite the suspension of runway operations, terminal services, passenger handling facilities and ground support systems are expected to remain functional throughout the maintenance period. Airport management stated that only airside operations involving aircraft movement would be halted during the designated maintenance window.
Annual Pre-Monsoon Maintenance Considered Essential for Flight Safety
Mumbai airport authorities conduct scheduled runway maintenance every year before the arrival of the southwest monsoon because of the city’s extremely heavy seasonal rainfall. Aviation experts say the preventive exercise is crucial to maintaining safe aircraft operations during adverse weather conditions.
Engineers and airport maintenance teams use the shutdown period to inspect runway surfaces, evaluate drainage systems, repair wear and tear and ensure that water accumulation risks are minimised during peak rainfall months. The inspection process also includes checks related to runway grip, friction levels and lighting systems essential for aircraft landing and takeoff safety.
Officials indicated that the maintenance process cannot be postponed because Mumbai experiences some of the heaviest monsoon rainfall among major Indian cities. Continuous exposure to rainwater and high aircraft traffic can impact runway performance if preventive repairs are delayed.
Airport authorities described the maintenance exercise as “non-negotiable” from a safety perspective. Experts explained that poor runway grip during monsoon conditions can directly affect aircraft braking efficiency and increase operational risks during landing procedures.
The pre-monsoon exercise also involves cleaning and inspection of airport drainage systems to ensure rapid water evacuation during heavy downpours. Waterlogging on runways poses a serious safety hazard for aviation operations, making preventive drainage management essential before the onset of monsoon.
Mumbai airport’s dual-runway system handles one of the country’s highest air traffic volumes daily, making regular maintenance critical for uninterrupted aviation operations. The airport serves as a major domestic and international gateway connecting passengers to destinations across India and overseas.
Flight Disruptions Expected Across Domestic and International Networks
The temporary closure is expected to impact hundreds of passengers because Mumbai airport remains among India’s busiest and most congested aviation hubs. Multiple airlines have already begun adjusting flight schedules to accommodate the six-hour suspension window.
Industry observers believe the closure could lead to a ripple effect on airline operations across the country because aircraft rotations and connecting schedules often depend heavily on Mumbai’s aviation network. Delays at Mumbai may therefore impact flights operating to and from several other Indian cities as well.
Passengers with connecting flights through Mumbai are likely to face the greatest inconvenience because revised schedules could affect transit timings and onward travel plans. Airlines are expected to notify affected passengers regarding rescheduled departures, revised boarding times or cancellations.
Travel experts have advised passengers to regularly monitor airline websites, mobile applications and SMS alerts throughout the day. Travellers have additionally been encouraged to keep buffer time between connecting flights whenever possible.
Airport authorities have clarified that passengers should avoid arriving excessively early during the shutdown window because no aircraft movement will take place between 11 am and 5 pm. However, airline check-in operations and terminal access may continue based on revised departure schedules.
Several airlines have already issued travel advisories requesting passengers to verify flight details before proceeding to the airport. Customer support centres are also expected to witness increased activity as passengers seek updated schedule information.
The temporary operational suspension highlights the logistical challenges involved in managing one of Asia’s busiest single-runway-capacity airports. Despite infrastructure upgrades over the years, Mumbai airport continues to operate under significant traffic pressure because of rising passenger demand and limited expansion space within the city.
Mumbai Airport Remains One of India’s Busiest Aviation Hubs
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport remains one of India’s most important aviation gateways, handling thousands of passengers and hundreds of flights daily. The airport connects Mumbai to major domestic destinations as well as international routes across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.
Because of its strategic importance in India’s aviation network, even temporary operational disruptions at Mumbai airport often affect flight movements across multiple regions. The six-hour suspension scheduled for May 7 is therefore being closely monitored by airlines, aviation authorities and travellers nationwide.
Airport officials stressed that the planned maintenance shutdown was announced in advance specifically to minimise inconvenience to passengers and allow airlines adequate time to revise operational schedules. Authorities stated that the exercise is part of long-term aviation safety management rather than an emergency closure.
Industry analysts noted that scheduled preventive maintenance helps avoid larger disruptions during the monsoon season by ensuring runway reliability and drainage efficiency before heavy rainfall begins. Similar maintenance exercises are also carried out periodically at other major Indian airports exposed to intense weather conditions.
Travellers flying via Mumbai on May 7 have been urged to stay informed through official airline communication channels and avoid relying on unverified social media updates. Authorities have reiterated that passengers should carefully monitor changes in departure and arrival timings throughout the day.
As Mumbai prepares for another monsoon season, the scheduled runway maintenance exercise underscores the importance of aviation safety planning in a city where weather conditions can significantly impact air traffic operations. While the six-hour shutdown may temporarily inconvenience passengers, officials maintain that the preventive measures are essential for ensuring safe and uninterrupted flight operations during the months ahead.
