MUMBAI: Flight operations at Mumbai airport will be suspended for six hours on May 7 from 11 am to 5 pm, as both runways are closed for pre-monsoon maintenance work.The closure will affect runway 09/27 and runway 14/32, making the airport non-operational during this period. The maintenance is part of the annual monsoon preparedness plan to ensure safety and smooth functioning during heavy rains in Mumbai.The airport operator, Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), said the work is essential for maintaining the large airside area, spread across 1,033 acres.Recognizing the impact of a full shutdown at one of the world’s busiest airports, officials held consultations with airlines and other stakeholders six months in advance to allow them to adjust schedules.“As part of CSMIA’s comprehensive monsoon contingency plan, stakeholder consultation was carried out six months in advance to notify airlines and other stakeholders, enabling airlines to adjust their flight schedules well ahead of time, enabling them to plan appropriately,” it said.In earlier disruptions, Mumbai airport saw major cancellations. On March 8, a total of 66 air traffic movements were cancelled, including 32 arrivals and 34 departures.On March 3, operations were more severely affected, with 107 cancellations in total—54 arrivals and 53 departures—due to ongoing West Asia conflict, leaving many passengers stranded and facing inconvenience.
