MUMBAI, India — October 31, 2026 — Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) will close both of its runways for six hours on Thursday, November 19, for its yearly post-monsoon runway maintenance. No flights will take off or land during that time.
What is happening
- Date and time: November 19, 2026, from 11:00 to 17:00 India time (IST). That is 09:30 to 15:30 UAE time, Gulf News notes.
- Runways affected: both cross runways, 09/27 and 14/32. With both closed, the airport has no runway in use for the six hours.
- Why: the airport calls it part of its annual post-monsoon runway maintenance programme, meant to keep operations and passengers safe.
- Planning: the airport says it began working with airlines on the closure six months ago, so schedules should already reflect it.
- Airlines affected: no airlines were named. Expect every carrier with flights scheduled in that window to retime or cancel them. Details by airline: TBA.
Background
Mumbai did the same thing last year, closing both runways from 11:00 to 17:00 on November 20, 2025. At the time, Outlook Business (citing PTI) reported the airport handles about 950 flights a day and is India’s second-busiest after Delhi. A NOTAM was issued well ahead so airlines could adjust schedules and staffing.
What it means for non-revs
- Flights will bunch up before 11:00 and after 17:00. Flights moved out of the closed window will add to the morning and evening banks, so loads on those flights are likely to be heavier than normal. Expect standby chances to be poor on November 19, especially into the evening.
- Check the new schedule, not the old one. Your usual flight may have a new time or may not operate on November 19. Check the airline’s schedule a few days ahead and again on the day.
- Expect knock-on delays in the evening. When the runways reopen at 17:00, a wave of departures and arrivals will compete for slots. Allow extra time for connections and avoid a tight onward connection that evening.
- Consider another day or another route. If your dates are flexible, travel on November 18 or 20. If you must go on the 19th, look at routings through Delhi or other Indian gateways.
- Carry on. On a day with retimed flights and evening congestion, checked bags are more likely to miss a connection.
Sources
- Gulf News — “India-UAE travel: Mumbai airport to temporarily close both runways on Nov 19” — gulfnews.com
- Outlook Business (PTI) — “Flight Ops At Mumbai Int’l Airport To Remain Closed For 6 Hours On Nov 20” (2025 closure, for background) — outlookbusiness.com
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