Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

Overview

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), formerly Sahar International Airport, is the primary airport serving Mumbai, India’s financial and commercial hub. It is one of the busiest airports in India and South Asia by passenger traffic and cargo volume. The airport is named after the 17th-century Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

CSMIA handles both domestic and international flights, connecting Mumbai to major cities across India and worldwide. It is operated by Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) and is known for its modern infrastructure and quality passenger services.

Terminals

Terminal 1 (T1)

• Handles mainly domestic flights.
• Subdivisions: T1A, T1B, T1C.
• Facilities: Check-in counters, lounges, retail outlets, restaurants, currency exchange, and ATMs.
• Airlines: IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir, AirAsia India, among others.

Terminal 2 (T2)

• Handles both domestic and international flights.
• Features luxury lounges, duty-free shops, restaurants, transit hotels, and business centers.
• Architecture reflects Indian culture with murals, sculptures, and artworks.
• Airlines: Air India, Vistara, Emirates, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, British Airways, and others.

Runways

• Runway 09/27: 3,660 meters, asphalt/concrete.
• Runway 14/32: 3,445 meters, asphalt/concrete.
• Supports large aircraft, including Boeing 747 and Airbus A380.

Passenger Facilities

• Lounges: Premium and pay-per-use lounges.
• Retail & Dining: Extensive shopping options, duty-free shops, and diverse restaurants.
• Wi-Fi & Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi and charging stations throughout terminals.
• Transport & Parking: Multi-level parking, valet services, taxis, rideshares, and airport shuttles.

Transportation & Connectivity

How to Reach

• By Road: The airport is connected via Western Express Highway and Sahar Road. Travel time from South Mumbai is approximately 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
• By Rail/Metro: Nearest metro station is Marol Naka (Mumbai Metro Line 1). Future Metro Line 3 will provide direct airport connectivity.
• By Bus: BEST buses and private airport shuttles operate from various parts of the city.
• By Taxi/Rideshare: Prepaid taxi counters are available at all terminals. App-based services like Ola and Uber operate 24/7.
• From Key Areas:
  • South Mumbai: ~30–45 minutes via Western Express Highway
  • Andheri: ~20–30 minutes
  • Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC): ~15–20 minutes

Airlines & Destinations

CSMIA operates flights to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, as well as international destinations in Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

• Domestic Airlines: IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir, Air India, Vistara
• International Airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways

Cargo Services

The airport handles significant air cargo traffic, serving industries such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics, and perishables. Dedicated cargo terminals provide cold storage, warehousing, and customs facilities.

Security

• Advanced screening systems including X-ray baggage scanners, metal detectors, and full-body scanners.
• 24/7 surveillance and patrolling.
• Streamlined immigration and customs for passengers.

Nearby Hotels

• JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar – Luxury accommodation near T2.
• Sofitel Mumbai BKC – 5-star hotel with easy airport access.
• Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport – Budget-friendly with shuttle services.

Future Plans

• Expansion of Terminal 2 to manage increasing passenger traffic.
• Development of a dedicated cargo village.
• Improved metro and road connectivity under Mumbai Metro expansion plans.

Conclusion

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport serves as a modern gateway to Mumbai, efficiently managing one of India’s highest passenger volumes. With world-class facilities, cultural architectural elements, and excellent connectivity, CSMIA provides a seamless travel experience for both domestic and international travelers. Ongoing expansions and infrastructure improvements ensure its continued role as a key hub in India’s aviation network.