Mumbai Airport’s Essential Post-Monsoon Maintenance Forces Full Closure On November 20 With Both Runways Shut For Six-Hour Period Impacting Hundreds Of Flights: Is Your Flight Affected?

Published on November 20, 2025

On November 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Mumbai Airport will close both runways during the first phase of the post-monsoon maintenance program. The airport will remain fully functional but will not be able to cater for any departing or arriving flights during this 6-hour period. The work involves an extensive assessment of the runways, drainage systems, lighting and other infrastructure to ensure that the airport remains compliant with international safety and operational standards. As such, the maintenance program will result in the relaxation of operational constraints and the safe movement of flights which would have to be re programmed for that period. The airport encourages you to liaise with your airline, should you be travelling on that date, to ensure seamless travel.

Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will undergo a scheduled closure for six hours on November 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During this period, all operations, including take-offs and landings, will be suspended. This temporary shutdown is part of the airport’s regular post-monsoon maintenance routine, aimed at ensuring that the airport adheres to global aviation standards.

Why Post-Monsoon Maintenance is Crucial for Mumbai Airport

Every year, after the monsoon season ends, a comprehensive maintenance check is conducted to assess the condition of the airport’s infrastructure. This post-monsoon inspection plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and functionality of the airport’s facilities, particularly its runways. This routine maintenance includes detailed inspections of the runway’s surface strength, drainage systems, lighting setups, and overall technical performance, all of which are essential for maintaining safe aviation operations.

As Mumbai experiences a significant amount of rainfall during the monsoon season, it is imperative for the airport to ensure that any potential damage to infrastructure, such as surface erosion or drainage blockages, is addressed promptly. The annual post-monsoon inspection ensures that both runways are ready for the high-stress demands of daily operations once the monsoon is over.

Full Closure of Both Runways

Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport operates two intersecting runways: the main runway 09/27 and the secondary runway 14/32. Together, these runways handle a substantial volume of air traffic—approximately 950 flights on a daily basis—making the airport the second-busiest in India.

On November 20th, both of these runways will be closed simultaneously for six hours. During this time, there will be no aircraft movements, including departures or arrivals. The timing of this scheduled maintenance has been carefully planned to minimize the impact on the airport’s operations, with advance notices given to airlines and passengers. In preparation for the closure, airlines are expected to reschedule their flights accordingly, either moving them up to earlier hours or pushing them to later slots.

NOTAM Issued for the Scheduled Closure

A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued by the airport authorities to inform airlines and aviation staff about the temporary closure of both runways. This formal notification ensures that all airlines are well aware of the situation and can plan their flight schedules and staffing accordingly. A NOTAM is an essential communication tool used in the aviation industry to keep flight operations informed of any significant changes that may affect flight paths, timings, or overall safety.

Due to the NOTAM, airlines have already begun adjusting their schedules to minimize disruption for passengers. It is highly recommended for travelers to confirm their flight details with their respective airlines well in advance of the scheduled closure, as delays and rescheduling may occur. Airlines typically adjust their operations by either moving flights to earlier slots or rescheduling them to take place after the maintenance period.

Key Maintenance Activities

The post-monsoon maintenance of the airport will include several important tasks to ensure that all systems are in optimal condition. These activities are vital for the airport’s safety standards and its operational readiness. Among the tasks to be carried out are runway surface repairs, drainage system evaluations, and inspections of runway markings and lighting systems.

Furthermore, the technical evaluations will involve a thorough safety testing process. These checks are conducted to ensure that the airport infrastructure meets both national and international safety regulations. The maintenance also allows the airport’s technical teams to make any necessary adjustments to the runway or its surrounding infrastructure to address wear and tear caused by seasonal weather conditions.

What Passengers Should Know

Travelers flying to or from Mumbai on November 20th are advised to take note of the airport’s temporary closure. Although the six-hour downtime may cause some inconvenience, passengers can avoid unnecessary stress by checking the latest flight schedules with their airlines. It is likely that most airlines will adjust their flight times to either an earlier departure or a later one to accommodate the maintenance window.

Regularly monitoring airline messages and updates will help passengers stay informed about any changes to their flight status. Many airlines send SMS alerts or email notifications to keep travelers updated on any schedule modifications. Travelers are also encouraged to arrive at the airport well in advance of their new flight departure time to avoid missing any changes.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport’s scheduled closure for annual post-monsoon maintenance on November 20, 2025, is part of an ongoing commitment to safety and operational excellence. While this temporary suspension of operations will affect passengers during the maintenance window, it is a necessary procedure to ensure the continued reliability and safety of the airport’s infrastructure. Passengers are advised to stay updated with their airlines and make necessary adjustments to their travel plans.

Mumbai Airport will be closed for six hours on November 20, 2025, for essential post-monsoon maintenance to ensure safety and operational readiness. This closure will affect hundreds of flights, so passengers should check with their airline for any schedule changes.

In the meantime, the airport remains dedicated to providing a smooth and secure travel experience for millions of passengers annually, with continued investments in infrastructure maintenance and upgrades.