English
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will shut down its two main runways for six hours on 20 November 2025 (from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to facilitate scheduled post-monsoon runway maintenance.
Reason for post-monsoon runway maintenance?
The closure will enable the airport to undertake its annual “post-monsoon overhaul” in order to ensure it remains safe, reliable, and compliant with global standards. These six hours of planned runway maintenance activity will see engineers inspect and service runway surfaces, repair any wear and tear, and perform technical checks on lighting systems, runway markings, and drainage facilities.
Operator Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) has said this planned maintenance is part of the airport’s year-round operational readiness programme and is part of the airport’s “safety-first” approach.
Flight Operations & passenger impact
MIAL has noted that the runway closure window has been decided and communicated well in advance, and a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued six months in advance so airlines and other stakeholders can reschedule their flight operations and manpower resources. The closure of both primary runways for six hours will allow for the required maintenance activities to be undertaken, and as it is a pre-planned event, MIAL does not expect it to cause major disruption to flight operations.
Passengers who are travelling on or around 20 November have been advised to:
Contact their airlines to find out if there have been any changes to flight schedules and to check if there may be any delays. Get to the airport early to allow for any operational changes. Follow real-time flight status updates on airline apps or airport announcements.
Timing & focus on infrastructure
They picked November 20, 2025, for the maintenance on purpose. This date is after the rainy season (when it pours a lot) and before many people travel in winter. The heavy monsoon/deep-season rains during the late October to November period also place an increased burden on runway surfaces, drainage systems and lighting, with accelerated wear and tear, blockages and degradation. Hence, the post-monsoon “refresh” is an essential move for the airport.
CSMIA aims to take advantage of the closure window to ensure optimal runway condition at a time of the year when visibility may be lower, and flight activity is generally high.
MIAL said it would issue a “closing NOTAM” at least two hours in advance and resume normal operations once safety clearance is reissued.
This six-hour window means that normal operations can return to normal once maintenance is complete and NOTAMs are reissued. The closure of the two runways is limited to a specific time window (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.), after which they will both be reopened for regular flight services.
MIAL has provided advance notification and is coordinating with airlines to minimize the inconvenience to passengers. However, passengers who are due to travel around the specified maintenance window should stay alert for any last-minute changes.
