Mumbai, May 1, 2026:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport will temporarily suspend all flight operations for six hours on May 7, 2026, as part of its scheduled pre-monsoon runway maintenance programme. The shutdown is expected to impact both domestic and international flight schedules, with airport authorities and airlines advising passengers to closely monitor travel updates.
According to the official notification issued by airport authorities, both runways — 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 permitted to take off or land at the airport, which is among India’s busiest aviation hubs.
Airport officials stated that the closure is part of the airport’s annual pre-monsoon preparedness exercise aimed at ensuring safe and uninterrupted operations during Mumbai’s heavy monsoon season. Authorities explained that preventive inspections and repairs are necessary because continuous rainfall can affect runway surfaces, drainage systems, aircraft braking efficiency, and operational safety if maintenance is delayed.
In its official statement, Mumbai airport said that the maintenance work is scheduled in advance every year to prepare the airport infrastructure for severe weather conditions associated with the southwest monsoon. The airport administration emphasized that the exercise is critical from a safety perspective and cannot be postponed.
The six-hour operational suspension is expected to result in cancellations, delays, and rescheduling of multiple flights across airlines operating through Mumbai. However, authorities clarified that airlines had been informed well in advance so they could revise schedules and minimise inconvenience to passengers.
Passengers travelling through Mumbai on May 7 have been strongly advised to check flight status directly with their respective airlines before leaving for the airport. Officials have also recommended that travellers with connecting flights allow additional buffer time because schedule adjustments at Mumbai may affect flight operations across other cities as well.
Despite the temporary suspension of runway operations, passenger terminals, check-in counters, and ground handling services are expected to remain operational during the maintenance period. Airport authorities clarified that only aircraft movement will be halted while maintenance work is carried out on the runways and associated infrastructure.
Experts noted that Mumbai airport conducts scheduled runway maintenance before every monsoon season due to the city’s extremely heavy rainfall. During the maintenance exercise, engineering teams inspect runway surfaces, repair damaged areas, evaluate friction and grip levels, check lighting systems, and clean drainage infrastructure to ensure rapid water evacuation during heavy rain.
Officials explained that waterlogging on runways poses a serious aviation risk because it can affect aircraft braking systems and landing safety. Proper drainage management and preventive repairs are therefore considered essential for maintaining safe operations throughout the rainy season.
Industry observers believe the temporary closure could create ripple effects across airline networks nationwide because Mumbai airport handles a large volume of domestic and international traffic daily. Delays and rescheduling at Mumbai may consequently affect aircraft rotations and connecting flights operating across several Indian cities.
Passengers have been advised to monitor airline websites, SMS alerts, mobile applications, and official communication channels regularly for schedule updates. Travel experts also cautioned against relying on unverified information circulating on social media platforms.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport remains one of India’s most important aviation gateways, connecting Mumbai to destinations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and domestic cities nationwide. Because of its strategic importance and high traffic volume, even temporary disruptions at the airport often have a wider impact on aviation operations across the country.
Authorities reiterated that the planned shutdown is a preventive and safety-focused measure rather than an emergency suspension. Airport officials stated that the annual maintenance exercise plays a crucial role in ensuring reliable and uninterrupted operations during the upcoming monsoon season.
