The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India is planning to temporarily close both its runways ahead of the upcoming monsoon season. On May 2nd, both runway 9/27 and 14/32 will be shut from 11:00am to 5:00pm for necessary pre-monsoon maintenance. The closure has been done in order to ensure a smoother and safer operation during the monsoon months.
CSMIA is one of the busiest single-runway airports in the world, that sees nearly 900 flight movements in a day. With an area of 1033 acres, it consists of runways, taxiways, and aprons to provide continual service. Therefore, a timely maintenance of these facilities is important to keep the airport running without interruption. The actual yearly practice of runway maintenance includes inspecting the runway surface for small and large signs of wear and tear that may have been caused by regular functioning of the airport.
The runway closure will enable engineers and other specialists to work on strengthening the runway and also help airlines plan flight schedules to minimise displacement of passengers. During the monsoon months, the airport handles around 92,000 aircraft movements and over 10 million passengers traveling to and from Mumbai. As part of the airport’s contingency plans, the authorities have proactively informed their stakeholders six months in advance so that any possible issues can be addressed efficiently.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is a crucial supply chain and is pivotal for Mumbai’s economy. This pre-monsoon maintenance will ensure a smooth operation of the airport during the wet and rainy season, as well for all passengers and airlines. Moreover, it will also try and guarantee that the airport functions round the clock and there are no disruptions due to the weather.
