Mumbai, India’s largest city, is a bustling hub of commerce and travel. Many people wonder about the number of airports serving this massive metropolis.
Mumbai has one main airport – the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. This airport handles both domestic and international flights, making it a key gateway for travellers entering and leaving the city.
While there is currently only one operational airport, plans are underway for a second. The Navi Mumbai International Airport is being built to meet growing demand. When finished, it will greatly increase Mumbai’s air travel capacity and give passengers more options for flying in and out of this vibrant city.
Overview of Mumbai’s Aviation Infrastructure
Mumbai has two main airports serving different aviation needs. These facilities handle both domestic and international flights, as well as private and general aviation operations.
Mumbai International Airport
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is Mumbai’s primary airport. It’s the second busiest in India after Delhi.
CSMIA has two terminals:
- Terminal 1: Domestic flights
- Terminal 2: International and some domestic flights
The airport saw over 52 million passengers from April 2023 to March 2024. It connects Mumbai to many cities in India and around the world.
CSMIA offers modern facilities and services. These include shops, restaurants, and lounges. The airport is well-connected to the city by buses, taxis, and a metro line.
Juhu Aerodrome and General Aviation
Juhu Aerodrome is Mumbai’s second airport. It’s mainly used for general aviation and helicopter operations.
Key points about Juhu Aerodrome:
- Located in Mumbai’s western suburbs
- Handles private planes and chartered flights
- Important for Mumbai’s film industry (Bollywood)
The aerodrome helps ease the load on CSMIA. It’s a vital part of Mumbai’s aviation network, especially for VIP travel and emergency services.
Major Airports in Mumbai
Mumbai has two main airports: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and Juhu Aerodrome.
CSMIA is the second busiest airport in India. It handles both domestic and international flights. The airport was formerly known as Sahar Airport.
CSMIA has two main terminals:
- Terminal 1: Handles domestic flights
- Terminal 2: Serves both domestic and international flights
Juhu Aerodrome is smaller and mainly used for helicopter operations and private planes.
CSMIA offers modern facilities for travelers. These include:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Shuttle bus service between terminals
- Shops and restaurants
The airport’s infrastructure is designed to handle large numbers of passengers. It has multiple runways and advanced navigation systems.
A new airport is being built in Navi Mumbai. This will help reduce traffic at CSMIA in the future.
Airport Facilities and Services
Mumbai’s main airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, offers many services for travelers. It has 192 check-in counters to help people get their boarding passes quickly.
The airport has lounges where passengers can relax before their flights. These lounges have comfortable seating, food, and drinks.
For baggage handling, the airport uses modern systems to move luggage safely and quickly. This helps reduce wait times for passengers.
Several airlines operate at Mumbai’s airport. These include:
- IndiGo
- Air India
- SpiceJet
- Vistara
- Jet Airways (currently not operating)
International airlines like British Airways and Emirates also fly to and from Mumbai.
The airport has shops and restaurants for travellers to enjoy. There are also currency exchange booths and ATMs for money needs.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. This lets passengers stay connected while waiting for their flights.
For overnight stays, the airport has sleeping pods and hotels inside the building. This is helpful for people with long layovers or early flights.
The Adani Group now manages the airport. They work to keep services running smoothly for all passengers.
Upcoming Developments
Mumbai’s airport infrastructure is set to expand significantly. The city will soon have a second major airport to handle increasing air traffic. Public transportation improvements will also enhance access to existing and new airports.
Navi Mumbai International Airport
The Navi Mumbai International Airport is under construction in Panvel. It will open on April 17, 2025. Domestic flights will start in May 2025. International flights are expected to begin in July 2025.
The new airport will reduce pressure on the current Mumbai airport. It will handle 10 million passengers per year at first. By 2032, it may serve up to 90 million annual passengers.
The project aims to meet growing air travel demands in the Mumbai region. It will boost economic growth in surrounding areas like Panvel, Ulwe, and Kharghar.
Enhancements to Connectivity
The Mumbai Metro system is expanding to improve airport access. New lines will connect to both existing and upcoming airports.
Metro Line 3 will link to the current Mumbai airport. This underground line will reduce travel times from south Mumbai.
Future metro extensions are planned to reach Navi Mumbai International Airport. These connections will offer faster, more reliable transport options for air travellers.
Road infrastructure near the new airport is also being upgraded. This includes wider highways and new bridges to handle increased traffic.
Airline Operations in Mumbai
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is a major hub for airline operations in India. It serves as a base for both domestic and international flights.
Many airlines operate from this airport. The main domestic carriers include Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara. These airlines offer frequent flights to cities across India.
For international travel, Mumbai Airport connects to many global destinations. Airlines like British Airways and Emirates provide direct flights to major cities worldwide.
The airport handles a large volume of passenger traffic. It’s the second busiest airport in India for both domestic and international passengers.
Air India, the national carrier, has a significant presence at Mumbai Airport. It operates numerous domestic and international routes from here.
Jet Airways, once a major player, no longer operates due to financial issues. However, there are plans for its revival.
Mumbai Airport has two main passenger terminals. Terminal 1 handles domestic flights, while Terminal 2 serves both domestic and international flights.
The airport operates 24/7, with flights taking off and landing throughout the day and night. This constant activity makes it a vital link in India’s air transport network.
Transport and Connectivity
Mumbai has two main airports. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is the city’s primary air hub. It handles both domestic and international flights.
The airport has two terminals:
- Terminal 1: Domestic flights
- Terminal 2: International and some domestic flights
Mumbai’s airports connect the city to destinations across India and around the world. They serve millions of passengers each year.
The Mumbai Metro is expanding to improve airport access. New lines will link the airports to more parts of the city.
Taxis, buses, and ride-sharing services also connect the airports to Mumbai. These options make it easy for travellers to reach their final destinations.
A new airport is being built in Navi Mumbai. It will add more capacity for air travel in the region. This airport will help meet the growing demand for flights to and from Mumbai.
Educational and Training Institutions
Mumbai has several institutions that offer aviation education and training. These schools help prepare students for careers in the aviation industry.
The Bombay Flying Club College of Aviation is one of the oldest and most respected flying schools in India. It provides training for aspiring pilots and aviation professionals.
Students can learn about airport operations at various academies in Mumbai. These programs teach skills needed to work at airports and in the aviation sector.
For those interested in general aviation, Mumbai offers training options. General aviation includes private flying, charter services, and other non-commercial flight activities.
Some key areas of study in these institutions include:
- Pilot training
- Aircraft maintenance
- Air traffic control
- Airport management
- Aviation safety
Mumbai’s aviation schools use both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Many have access to flight simulators and real aircraft for practical experience.
These educational facilities play a crucial role in supporting Mumbai’s airports and aviation industry. They help ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals to meet the growing demands of air travel in the region.
Surrounding Airports in Maharashtra
Maharashtra has many airports besides those in Mumbai. These airports serve different parts of the state.
Pune International Airport is one of the busiest. It handles both domestic and international flights.
Aurangabad Airport connects to major Indian cities. It’s near the famous Ajanta and Ellora caves.
Some smaller airports include:
- Akola Airport
- Jalgaon Airport
- Solapur Airport
- Gondia Airport
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur is another key airport. It serves the eastern part of Maharashtra.
Shirdi Airport helps pilgrims visit the Sai Baba temple. It opened in 2017.
Kolhapur Airport links the southern part of the state. There are plans to use it for night parking of planes.
Other airports in Maharashtra:
- Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport (Nanded)
- Osmanabad Airport
- Karad Airport
- Baramati Airport
These airports help connect different parts of Maharashtra. They make travel easier for both business and leisure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mumbai has one main airport serving both domestic and international flights. Several other airports exist in the surrounding Maharashtra state. The terminals at Mumbai’s airport handle different types of flights.
How many international airports does Mumbai have?
Mumbai has one international airport. It is called Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. This airport handles both domestic and international flights for the city.
Can you list the airports in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra has about 20 airports. Only 10 of these are currently in use. The main ones include Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Aurangabad airports.
Which terminals are domestic and international at Mumbai Airport?
Mumbai Airport has two main terminals. Terminal 2 handles mostly international flights. Terminal 1 is used for domestic flights within India.
What are the names of the airports servicing Mumbai?
The main airport serving Mumbai is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. A new airport called Navi Mumbai International Airport is being built. It will open in the future to help handle more flights.
Which airport serves as Mumbai’s primary international gateway?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is Mumbai’s primary international gateway. It connects Mumbai to many cities around the world. The airport can handle over 50 million passengers each year.
How many total airports can be found in Mumbai city?
Mumbai city has one main airport. This is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. It handles both domestic and international flights for the city.
