Both runways of Mumbai Airport to remain closed for 6 hours on 19 November

According to a report by Hindustan Times, aircraft operations at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will be suspended for six hours on the upcoming 19 November. Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), which operates the airport, has stated that scheduled annual maintenance work will be undertaken on both runways of the airport, due to which operations will remain closed on Thursday, 19 November, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Information provided by the airport operator states that this operation is part of the airport's annual post-monsoon maintenance programme. During this period, both cross runways of the airport, identified as RWY 09/27 and RWY 14/32, will not be operational. According to the airport operator, this scheduled maintenance is an essential part of the programme to maintain operational readiness throughout the year.

According to MIAL, this maintenance work will involve detailed inspection of the runways, surface repairs, and technical assessment of critical infrastructure facilities. This technical inspection also includes important facilities such as runway lighting, markings, and drainage systems. According to the airport operator, these inspections are extremely necessary to ensure that the runways remain in proper condition for aircraft take-off and landing, as well as to maintain safety and operational efficiency.

The airport operator has described this entire process as their 'safety-first' approach and stated that it is necessary to maintain the airport's operational readiness. A 'Notice to Airmen' (NOTAM) has also been issued to inform airlines and other aviation stakeholders about this planned closure of the airport.

This advance notice will assist airlines in adjusting their flight schedules, making alternative operational arrangements, and planning their manpower requirements accordingly. According to the airport operator, coordination with airlines and relevant stakeholders for this maintenance work had commenced six months in advance. The purpose of this advance planning is to ensure that operational requirements remain consistent and that inconvenience to passengers is minimised.

CSMIA possesses a cross-runway configuration, which includes two intersecting runways - RWY 09/27 and RWY 14/32. During this maintenance period, both runways will not be available for work. This airport is spread over approximately 1,900 acres and, according to information provided by the airport operator, handles about 1,000 air traffic movements daily.

Mumbai Airport is also a major hub for passengers and cargo. In the financial year 2025-26, this airport handled 55.29 million passengers and more than 0.85 million metric tonnes of cargo annually.

Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) operates and manages CSMIA. This is a joint venture between Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) and Airports Authority of India (AAI), in which AAHL holds a 74% stake. AAHL is a subsidiary of Adani Group's flagship company, Adani Enterprises Limited.

According to the airport operator, CSMIA received Level 5 accreditation for 'Airport Customer Experience' from Airports Council International in December 2024. It became the first airport in India and the third airport in the world to receive this recognition.