Mumbai airport to suspend all flying for six hours on November 19 for runway upkeep

Passengers booked to fly through Mumbai on November 19, 2026 should be ready for revised flight timings. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will have both its runways out of use for six hours that day, from 11 am to 5 pm. No aircraft will take off or land during this window.

The two runways affected are RWY 09/27 and RWY 14/32. The shutdown forms part of the yearly maintenance round that Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) carries out once the monsoon is over, so that the airfield stays in safe working order.

MIAL has said the upkeep is needed to keep operations safe, reliable and efficient, and to meet international aviation and air traffic standards.

Crews will go over the runways closely and repair the surface. Technical checks will also be made of the runway lighting, the markings and the drainage system.

Anyone due to leave from or land at the airport between 11 am and 5 pm on the day is being asked to contact the airline concerned and confirm the timing of the flight. Passengers should do this before setting out for the airport, since carriers may reschedule services because of the closure.

Airlines were told about the closure well in advance. The airport administration has also put out a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), the formal alert to pilots and flight operators, about the shutdown. MIAL has been working with airlines and other agencies on revised schedules and on manpower planning, and the stated aim is to keep the inconvenience to travellers as low as possible during the six hours.

Even so, those flying on November 19 have been advised to keep watching for updates from their airline and to look out for any last-minute change to their flight before heading to the terminal.