040. Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport (BOM)

BOM

As India’s financial capital and entertainment hub, Mumbai deserves a world-class airport to match its global significance. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) serves as this critical gateway, connecting the bustling metropolis to destinations across India and around the world. Named after the revered 17th-century Maratha warrior king, this airport stands as one of Asia’s busiest aviation hubs and a testament to India’s growing prominence in global air travel.

The History of Mumbai Airport

The story of Mumbai’s airport begins in 1930 when it was established as RAF Santacruz, a dedicated airfield during World War II under British control. The facility spanned 610 acres and featured three runways. When India gained independence in 1947, the Director General of Civil Aviation took over management and converted abandoned hangars into passenger terminals – one for international flights and another for domestic services.

During its first year of civilian operations, the airport handled just six aircraft per day. As air travel grew in popularity, the airport began experiencing operational capacity challenges, particularly with the advent of jumbo jets. In response, a new international terminal was planned in the 1970s, and the original Santacruz airport was dedicated solely to domestic services.

The new international terminal at Sahar was completed in 1981 at a cost of ?110 million. In 1999, the airport was renamed from “Sahar Airport” to “Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport” to honor the legendary Maratha ruler. The name was further amended in 2018 to include the title “Maharaj,” becoming “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.”

A significant turning point came in 2006 when the Airports Authority of India partnered with a private consortium led by GVK Industries to modernize and manage the airport. The modernization efforts culminated in the inauguration of the integrated Terminal 2 in 2014, marking a new era for the airport with enhanced capacity and passenger amenities. In 2021, the Adani Group took over as the airport operator, bringing new management and development plans.

BOM Quick Facts

  • IATA Code: BOM
  • ICAO Code: VABB
  • Location: Vile Parle East, spanning across the suburbs of Santacruz and Sahar
  • Distance from city center: Approximately 28 kilometers from South Mumbai
  • Elevation: 11 meters (37 feet) above sea level
  • Size: Approximately 750 hectares (1,850 acres)
  • Runways: Two intersecting runways (09/27 and 14/32)
  • Terminals: Two passenger terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2)
  • Operating Hours: 24/7
  • Ownership: Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), a joint venture between Adani Enterprises and Airports Authority of India
  • Previous name: Sahar International Airport (renamed in 1999)

By the Numbers

Mumbai’s airport consistently ranks among the busiest in Asia and the world, with impressive statistics that reflect its importance as a major aviation hub:

  • Annual Passengers: Approximately 45 million passengers (pre-pandemic)
  • Global Ranking: 31st busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic (2024)
  • Asian Ranking: 14th busiest airport in Asia
  • National Ranking: 2nd busiest airport in India (after Delhi) for both total and international passenger traffic
  • Daily Flight Operations: Around 950 aircraft movements per day, with a record of 1,007 operations on December 9, 2018
  • Record: In 2017, it overtook London’s Gatwick Airport as the world’s busiest single-runway operation
  • Cargo Volume: Second-busiest airport in India for cargo traffic
  • Connectivity: Serves as a hub for multiple domestic and international airlines, connecting to destinations on six continents
  • Peak Hour Capacity: Current capacity to handle 8,520 passengers during peak hours
  • Terminal Area: Total terminal floor area of 370,000 square meters

Terminal Facilities

BOM has two main terminals that offer modern amenities and services designed to enhance the passenger experience:

Terminal 1 (Domestic) is located in Santacruz and primarily serves domestic low-cost carriers. Originally divided into sub-terminals 1A, 1B, and 1C, it has undergone multiple renovations, with Terminal 1A having been decommissioned in 2016. The current Terminal 1 (formerly 1B) was officially renamed in 2017 for better passenger orientation. It features 11 passenger boarding bridges and primarily handles operations for airlines like SpiceJet, Go First, and IndiGo.

The terminal is designed for efficient processing of domestic travelers with multiple check-in counters, security screening areas, and baggage claim facilities. Food and beverage options include popular chains and local cuisines. Retail outlets offer books, travel essentials, and local souvenirs. Terminal 1 provides essential services such as currency exchange, ATMs, and pharmacies.

The Adani Group has announced plans to demolish and rebuild Terminal 1 starting in November 2025, after the new Navi Mumbai International Airport begins operations. The upgraded terminal is expected to be operational by 2028-29 and will connect to Terminal 2 through a three-lane underground tunnel for airside passenger movement.

Terminal 2 (International and Domestic) is located in Sahar and handles all international flights along with select domestic operations. This architecturally striking terminal was inaugurated in 2014, replacing the older Terminal 2 that had operated since 1980. The four-level terminal spans 210,000 square meters and features a distinctive design inspired by Indian heritage.

Level 1 serves as the ground transportation hub, Level 2 processes arrivals, Level 3 handles domestic departures, and Level 4 is dedicated to international departures. The terminal houses 192 check-in counters, 60 immigration counters for departures, and 76 immigration counters for arrivals. It features 14 baggage carousels to streamline the arrival process.

Terminal 2 is renowned for its impressive art program, “Jaya He,” which showcases over 5,000 pieces of artwork and artifacts celebrating India’s cultural heritage. This vast collection creates a museum-like experience throughout the terminal, making it one of the world’s largest public art displays in an airport.

Dining options span from quick-service counters to full-service restaurants representing both Indian and international cuisines. Extensive duty-free shopping offers international brands alongside Indian specialty shops. Premium lounges cater to business and first-class travelers, with the GVK Lounge serving as a flagship facility for international passengers.

The terminal provides comprehensive services for passengers with reduced mobility and those requiring special assistance. Multiple prayer rooms accommodate various faiths, and dedicated family areas cater to travelers with children. Terminal 2 also houses the Niranta Transit Hotel, offering convenient accommodation for passengers with long layovers.

Airlines and Connectivity

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport serves as a vital hub connecting Mumbai to both domestic and international destinations. The airport’s strategic location makes it a crucial gateway for travel between India and the rest of the world.

Major Domestic Airlines operating from BOM include:

  • Air India (National carrier with extensive domestic network)
  • IndiGo (India’s largest airline by fleet size and market share)
  • Vistara (Full-service carrier with premium offerings)
  • SpiceJet (Low-cost carrier serving multiple domestic routes)
  • Go First (Budget airline focusing on point-to-point connectivity)
  • Alliance Air (Regional service provider)
  • AirAsia India (Low-cost carrier with growing presence)

International Carriers serving Mumbai include:

  • Emirates (Multiple daily services to Dubai)
  • Singapore Airlines (Connecting to Southeast Asia and beyond)
  • Lufthansa (Direct services to Germany)
  • British Airways (Non-stop flights to London)
  • Qatar Airways (Services to Doha with global connections)
  • Cathay Pacific (Flights to Hong Kong)
  • Air France (Direct connections to Paris)
  • KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Services to Amsterdam)
  • Thai Airways (Connecting Mumbai with Bangkok)
  • Turkish Airlines (Flights to Istanbul with onward connections)
  • United Airlines (Direct services to the United States)
  • Ethiopian Airlines (Connecting to Africa)

Domestic Connectivity is extensive, with frequent services to major metropolitan centers including:

  • Delhi (Busiest domestic route)
  • Bengaluru
  • Chennai
  • Kolkata
  • Hyderabad
  • Ahmedabad
  • Goa
  • Kochi
  • Jaipur
  • Pune

International Network spans six continents with particular strength in:

  • Middle East (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat)
  • Southeast Asia (Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur)
  • Europe (London, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam)
  • North America (New York, Newark, San Francisco)
  • East Asia (Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul)
  • Africa (Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Johannesburg)

The airport serves as a major hub for Air India’s international operations and acts as a focus city for several other carriers. Its connectivity continues to expand, with airlines regularly introducing new routes and increasing frequencies on existing services to meet growing demand.

Ground Transportation

Mumbai’s airport offers various transportation options to connect travelers to the city and surrounding regions:

Metro Service: Line 3 of the Mumbai Metro, currently under construction, will directly serve the airport with stations at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. This will provide a crucial rapid transit connection to the city center. Meanwhile, the existing Line 1 has stations near the airport – Airport Road and Marol Naka stations are closest to Terminal 2, while Western Express Highway station is nearest to Terminal 1. These stations require additional transportation to reach the terminals.

Railway Connections: Vile Parle is the closest suburban railway station to the airport, serving both the Western line and Harbour line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway network. This station is accessible from both terminals, though it requires a taxi or auto-rickshaw connection. While the suburban railway is Mumbai’s transportation backbone, it’s not recommended for travelers unfamiliar with the system, especially when carrying luggage.

Bus Services: The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) operates air-conditioned buses connecting the airport to various parts of Mumbai, including Thane, Borivali, South Mumbai, and Andheri railway station. These services can be booked through the Chalo App. Additionally, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) runs bus services to the airport from various nodes of Navi Mumbai. However, these services may be challenging for travelers with heavy luggage, especially during peak hours.

Taxi and Ride-Hailing Services: Prepaid taxis are available at both terminals, with counters located near the exits of the arrival areas. These provide fixed-fare services to destinations throughout Mumbai. App-based ride-hailing services such as Uber and Ola also operate at the airport and are popular options for travelers with smartphone connectivity. For those traveling between terminals, taxi services are the primary option, with the journey taking approximately 20 minutes depending on traffic.

Airport Transfer Services: Many hotels offer shuttle services for their guests, particularly premium properties. Private transfer companies also provide pre-booked car services with professional drivers and various vehicle options, from standard sedans to luxury cars.

Car Rental: Several car rental companies operate at the airport, offering both self-drive options and chauffeur-driven services. These are available at designated counters in the arrival areas of both terminals.

Road Access: The airport is well-connected to Mumbai’s road network. Terminal 2 can be accessed via the Sahar Elevated Road, which provides direct connectivity from the Western Express Highway. This six-lane elevated road helps travelers bypass city traffic congestion when heading to or from the airport. The journey time between the airport and South Mumbai (the main tourist and business district) typically ranges from 1-2 hours depending on traffic conditions, though travel times are significantly reduced during early morning or late night hours.

The Future of Mumbai Airport

The aviation landscape in Mumbai is set for significant transformation with several key developments on the horizon:

Navi Mumbai International Airport: The most substantial development affecting BOM is the construction of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), scheduled to open in June 2025. Located approximately 35 kilometers from the existing airport, this greenfield project will serve as Mumbai’s second international airport, operating alongside BOM to create a dual-airport system for the region. The new airport is being constructed by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) through a public-private partnership with the Adani Group, which also operates BOM.

The first phase of NMIA will handle over 20 million passengers annually, with ultimate capacity planned for 90 million passengers and 2.5 million tonnes of cargo by 2032. The airport’s design draws inspiration from the lotus flower, creating a visually striking aesthetic when viewed from above. With the opening of NMIA, traffic and operational patterns at BOM will evolve, with specific functions potentially being reallocated between the two airports.

Terminal 1 Reconstruction: Citing safety and structural considerations, the Adani Group has announced plans to demolish and rebuild Terminal 1 beginning in November 2025, after NMIA commences operations. The upgraded terminal is expected to be operational by 2028-29 and will feature modern facilities and enhanced capacity. A notable feature of the reconstruction will be a three-lane underground tunnel connecting Terminal 1 with Terminal 2, facilitating seamless airside passenger movement between terminals.

Cargo Operations Transition: Starting in August 2025, BOM will temporarily halt all cargo flight operations as part of infrastructure upgrades, including the construction of a new taxiway to enhance runway capacity. This aligns with the larger strategy to eventually transfer freighter operations to NMIA, which will feature a dedicated cargo terminal with an annual handling capacity of 2.6 million metric tonnes. This shift will free up valuable space at BOM for expanded passenger aircraft operations.

Capacity Enhancement: Plans are underway to increase BOM’s average hourly flight movement capacity from the current 46 to over 50 in the next two years. This will be achieved through the creation of a parallel taxiway and increased automation for speedier aircraft movement between runways and terminals. Additionally, the security hold areas are being expanded to accommodate the rising passenger numbers, including those from airlines deploying aircraft with higher seating capacities.

Transport Connectivity Improvements: The completion of Mumbai Metro Line 3 will significantly enhance the airport’s connectivity to the city. With stations at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, this metro line will provide a rapid transit option for travelers, helping to alleviate road congestion around the airport. Additional infrastructure improvements will include better integration with the city’s broader transportation network, enhancing the passenger journey to and from the airport.

Technology and Sustainability Initiatives: Future development plans include the implementation of advanced technologies for passenger processing, baggage handling, and security. Biometric solutions and automated systems will streamline various aspects of the passenger journey. Sustainability will also be a key focus, with initiatives aimed at reducing the airport’s carbon footprint through more efficient operations, renewable energy usage, and environmentally conscious facility management.

As these developments unfold, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport will continue to evolve, maintaining its position as a critical infrastructure asset for Mumbai and a vital international gateway for India. The complementary operation of BOM and the new Navi Mumbai International Airport will create one of Asia’s most significant airport systems, capable of handling the region’s growing aviation demands for decades to come.

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