Mumbai Airport Closure on May 7: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport To Shut for 6 Hours, Delays, Cancellations Likely
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport will suspend all flight operations for six hours on May 7 for pre-monsoon maintenance. The shutdown from 11 am to 5 pm is expected to cause delays, cancellations, and rescheduling. Passengers are advised to check flight status and plan ahead as disruptions may continue even after services resume.
Flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport will be suspended for six hours on Thursday, May 7, as part of its annual pre-monsoon maintenance programme. The temporary shutdown, scheduled between 11 am and 5 pm, is expected to disrupt both domestic and international flight schedules.
Airport authorities said both the primary runway 09/27 and the secondary runway 14/32 will remain non-operational during this period. Airlines and aviation stakeholders were informed about the planned closure nearly six months in advance to allow adjustments in schedules. Security Scare at Mumbai Airport After Tissue Bearing Word ‘Danger’ Discovered Inside Lavatory of IndiGo Flight.
Mumbai Airport Closure: Impact on Flight Operations
Passengers travelling to or from Mumbai on May 7 are likely to face delays, rescheduled departures, and possible cancellations. Flights scheduled close to the reopening time may also experience cascading delays due to congestion.
The afternoon slot is typically one of the busiest periods at the airport, which could intensify the impact, especially for connecting passengers. Mumbai Airport Chaos: SpiceJet Flights Cancelled After Delays, Passengers Protest at Terminal 1 (Watch Videos).
Why the Runways Are Being Closed
According to officials, the closure is part of an annual monsoon preparedness exercise aimed at ensuring runway safety during heavy rainfall. The inspection will include checks for cracks, wear and tear, and potential waterlogging issues that could affect aircraft movement. The airport’s airside infrastructure spans over 1,000 acres, making preventive maintenance critical ahead of the monsoon season.
Airport authorities said the maintenance schedule was shared well in advance with airlines, regulators, and other stakeholders. This coordination is intended to help carriers reschedule flights, minimise disruptions, and manage passenger flow more effectively. Specialised equipment and monitoring systems will be used to complete the work within the six-hour window.
Advisory for Passengers
Travellers scheduled to fly on May 7 have been advised to take the following precautions:
- Check flight status with the airline before leaving for the airport
- Monitor updates regarding delays or cancellations
- Plan for additional buffer time, especially for connecting flights
- Expect congestion after operations resume at 5 pm
Given the high passenger traffic handled daily at Mumbai Airport, delays may continue into the evening even after flight operations restart.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 06, 2026 05:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
