Six-hour closure at Mumbai Airport on May 7: What flyers need to know about cancellations, delays and travel disruptions

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Mumbai's busiest airport will suspend all flight operations for six hours on May 7 as part of its annual pre-monsoon runway maintenance programme, a move that is expected to affect flight schedules across domestic and international routes.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport said both its primary runway 09/27 and secondary runway 14/32 will remain non-operational between 11 am and 5 pm on Thursday while essential maintenance work is carried out ahead of the monsoon season.

Airport authorities said airlines and aviation stakeholders had been informed about the planned shutdown nearly six months in advance, allowing carriers to reschedule, cancel, or adjust flight timings in preparation for the temporary closure.

What this means for your travel plans on May 7

Passengers flying to or from Mumbai on Thursday are likely to face disruptions, including rescheduled departures, delayed arrivals, and possible cancellations across several routes.

Travellers have been advised to check their flight status directly with airlines before leaving for the airport. Since no aircraft operations will take place during the six-hour maintenance window, even flights scheduled close to reopening hours could experience knock-on delays.

The temporary closure is expected to particularly affect connecting passengers and those travelling during the afternoon slot, which is typically among the busiest operating periods at Mumbai Airport.

Why Mumbai Airport shuts runways before the monsoon every year

According to airport officials, the maintenance exercise forms part of the airport's annual monsoon preparedness programme aimed at ensuring runway safety during heavy rainfall.

The inspection process includes checking runway surfaces for cracks, wear and tear, waterlogging vulnerabilities, and other technical issues that could affect aircraft movement during the rainy season.

Officials said the airport's airside infrastructure spans more than 1,000 acres, making periodic preventive maintenance essential for safe landings and take-offs during intense monsoon conditions.

Specialised equipment and modern monitoring systems will be deployed to complete the inspection and repair work within the scheduled six-hour period.

Airlines were informed months in advance

Mumbai Airport said extensive coordination had been carried out with airlines, aviation regulators, and operational stakeholders well before the scheduled closure date.

The advance notice was intended to help airlines redesign flight schedules, minimise last-minute disruptions, and manage passenger movement more efficiently on the day of the shutdown.

Airport authorities said the temporary suspension is part of long-term operational planning focused on maintaining safety standards, infrastructure reliability, and smoother airport operations during the monsoon season.

What passengers should do before heading to the airport

Travellers scheduled to fly on May 7 should:

- Check updated flight timings with their airline
- Arrive at the airport only after confirming flight status
- Monitor airline alerts for cancellations or rescheduling
- Allow extra buffer time for connecting flights
- Stay prepared for congestion after operations resume at 5 pm

Mumbai Airport handles one of the country's highest passenger volumes daily, and operational delays following the reopening of runways may continue into the evening hours.