Mumbai's Dual Airport System: A Travel Advantage

Mumbai is served by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, previously known as Sahar International Airport. The airport is located in Vile Parle, Mumbai, around 28 kilometres north of the city centre. It is the second busiest airport in India and has two terminals: one for domestic flights and the other for international flights.

A new airport, the Dinkar Balu Patil International Airport, is currently being built in Navi Mumbai.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is Mumbai's primary airport

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (IATA: BOM, ICAO: VABB) is the primary airport serving Mumbai, the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is located around 28 kilometres north of Central Mumbai and 8 kilometres north of downtown Mumbai. The airport is named after Shivaji, the 17th-century Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is the second busiest airport in India in terms of total and international passenger traffic, only after Delhi. In the fiscal year 2023-24, the airport handled 52.8 million passengers, surpassing its maximum capacity of 50 million passengers per year. It is also the second busiest airport in terms of cargo traffic.

The airport has two terminals – Terminal 1 (domestic) and Terminal 2 (international). Terminal 1, locally known as Santacruz Airport, is used for domestic flights and is located at Santacruz. Terminal 2, located at Sahar Village in Vile Parle East, serves all international arrivals and departures. Some domestic departures by airlines like Air India, Vistara, and Jet Airways also take place at Terminal 2.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport offers various facilities, including banks, ATMs, forex, car parking, a medical centre, free Wi-Fi, and lounges. The airport is well-connected to the city, with buses, trains, taxis, and auto-rickshaws available for transport.

It is one of the busiest airports in India and the world

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is the second busiest airport in India and was the 25th busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic in fiscal year 2023–24. It is the primary international airport serving the Mumbai Metropolitan Area and is located in Vile Parle, Mumbai.

The airport handles approximately 45 million passengers annually and there is a record of a minimum of 851 flight movements every day. It is one of the smallest international airports in the world, yet it is one of the busiest.

The airport has two terminals, one for domestic flights and the other for international. The domestic terminal is located at Santacruz, while the international terminal is at Sahar. The terminals are physically separated and are a 15-20 minute drive apart.

The airport offers various facilities, including banks, ATMs, forex, car parking, a medical centre, free Wi-Fi, and lounges. There are taxi/cab and rickshaw stands, as well as bus services, available for passengers to use.

The airport has two terminals, one for domestic and the other for international flights

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai has two terminals—one for domestic flights and the other for international flights. Terminal 1, locally known as Santacruz Airport, is used for domestic flights, while Terminal 2, located at Sahar Village, serves all international arrivals and departures.

Terminal 1 was Mumbai's first passenger terminal and was once integrated, but it was renamed Terminal 1 after the opening of the Sahar building for international operations. Terminal 1 has been refurbished several times and was further divided into Terminals 1A, 1B, and 1C. Terminal 1A was the oldest terminal and was shut down in 2016. Terminal 1B is used for domestic flights (arrivals and departures) from airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and GoAir. Terminal 1C had six boarding bridges and acted as a connecting terminal between 1A and 1B. It served as a boarding-only facility for all airlines.

Terminal 2 operates at four different levels: Level 1 is dedicated to transport, Level 2 to arrivals, Level 3 to domestic departures, and Level 4 to international departures. Terminal 2 has an X-shaped structure with a total floor area of 450,000 square metres across four floors. It includes new taxiways and apron areas for aircraft parking, designed to cater to 40 million passengers annually. The new Terminal 2 building operates Multiple Aircraft Ramp System (MARS) stands and swing gates, allowing a single stand to accommodate either one wide-body aircraft or two narrow-body aircraft in either domestic or international configuration.

A free coach service is offered to passengers for transfer between the two terminals, which are located 5 kilometres apart.

It is located in Vile Parle, Mumbai, around 28km north of Central Mumbai

Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is located in Vile Parle, around 28km north of Central Mumbai. The airport is named after Shivaji, the 17th-century Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire.

The airport is situated across the suburbs of Santacruz and Sahar Village in Vile Parle East. It is operated by Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), a joint venture between Adani Enterprises and Airports Authority of India.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is the second busiest airport in India in terms of total and international passenger traffic, after Delhi. It is also the ninth busiest airport in Asia and the 25th busiest in the world by passenger traffic. The airport has two terminals, one for domestic flights and the other for international flights.

Vile Parle is the closest railway station to both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of the airport. The airport is well-connected to the city, with buses, trains, taxis, and auto-rickshaws available for transport.

The airport offers various facilities, including banks, ATMs, forex, car parking, a medical centre, free Wi-Fi, and lounges. It is known for its modern facilities, excellent connectivity, and wide range of shopping and food options.

The airport offers various facilities, including banks, ATMs, forex, car parking, medical centres, free Wi-Fi, and lounges

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai offers a wide range of facilities to cater to the needs of its passengers. The airport is located around 28 kilometres north of Central Mumbai and 8 kilometres north of downtown Mumbai.

Banks and ATMs

For those who need to manage their finances, the airport provides convenient access to banks and ATMs located throughout the premises. This makes it easy for passengers to withdraw cash, transfer funds, or conduct other financial transactions before or after their travels.

Forex Services

For international travellers, foreign exchange services are available to help them obtain the local currency. This ensures that visitors have the necessary funds in the correct currency for their time in Mumbai or elsewhere in India.

Car Parking

The airport offers extensive car parking facilities at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 can accommodate up to 750 cars, while Terminal 2 provides parking space for up to 1,500 cars. Passengers can choose between general and premium parking options, with prices starting at INR 160 for general parking and INR 250 for premium parking.

Medical Centres

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport prioritises the well-being of its passengers by providing medical inspection centres at both terminals. These facilities are equipped to handle emergency situations and offer assistance to travellers with medical conditions or those travelling with patients.

Free Wi-Fi

Recognising the importance of staying connected, the airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout its premises. Passengers can use their mobile phones to log in and enjoy uninterrupted internet access during their time at the airport.

Lounges

The airport boasts several lounges, including the GVK Lounge, the Loyalty Lounge, and the Pranaam Lounge, located in Terminal 2. These lounges offer a range of amenities, such as food and beverages, rest areas, business centres, and more, providing passengers with a comfortable and relaxing environment before their flights.

In addition to these facilities, the airport also provides other conveniences such as luggage services, childcare rooms, shopping options, and a variety of food and beverage outlets, ensuring that travellers have a pleasant and convenient experience while passing through Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Frequently asked questions