Mumbai Airport is one of the busiest airports in India and it handles millions of passenger load each year. If you are planning to come to the City of Dreams or fly out of Mumbai on this date in May, then you’d have to plan it meticulously. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport’s runways are going to be non-operational in May on a certain day for a few hours. Read on to know more.
Mumbai Airport’s Runways Will Stay Shut For 6 Hours
We all know how infamously famous Mumbai monsoon is. Each year, CSMIA carries out pre-monsoon repair and maintenance work on the runway. This year on May 2, 2023 both the runways – RWY 09/27 & 14/32 – will be non-operational.
This #EarthHour, #MumbaiAirport joined the global movement and showed our support to our precious planet. We switched off our non-essentials lights at various points around the airport, including Duty Free stores, Multi-Level Car Parking area and Adani Lounge. pic.twitter.com/yItr8Vbktp
— CSMIA (@CSMIA_Official) March 25, 2023
The temporary closure will be from 11 am to 5 pm. When any such activity is planned, the airport authorities issue a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen). However, the runways will be operational post 5 pm on May 2, 2023.
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Why Is It Important To Carry Out Runway Maintenance Work?
Mumbai Airport (CSMIA) handles about 900 flights daily. The repair work is a yearly practice and regular upkeep of it, especially during monsoon, will enable operational continuity and also ensure passengers’ safety.
Before monsoon hits the city, the runways, taxiways, aprons, etc, that are spread over 1033 acres undergo repair work. “The yearly practice of runway maintenance work involves specialists in engineering and airside teams inspecting the runway surface for micro-texture and macro texture wear and tear that may have occurred due to day-to-day operations and help strengthening the airside strip,” read a statement from CSMIA.
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Since this is a planned activity, CSMIA intimated its stakeholders six months in advance. In fact, since airlines are aware of the scheduled activity, they have already taken it into account and planned flight schedules accordingly.
During Monsoon Mumbai Airport Handles As Many As 10 Million Passengers
Monsoon typically lasts about 4 months, and during this period Mumbai Airport handles 92,000 ATMs. Which means, they handle around 10 million passengers. The maintenance work is also carried out in order to mitigate any possible issues that can arise due to bad weather.
So, if you are thinking of travelling to and from Mumbai Airport on May 2, 2023, keep this advisory in mind. But as they will resume operations post 5 pm, you can expect timely arrivals and departures.
Umm, a word of advice, do expect some delay!
Cover Image Courtesy: Press Release