Owais Crawford
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (IATA: BOM, ICAO: VABB) is the international airport serving Mumbai, India. It is the second busiest airport in India in terms of total and international passenger traffic, and the 14th busiest airport in Asia. The airport has been in the news recently due to various incidents, including a bomb threat on a Mumbai-bound IndiGo plane, an increase in user development fees for international passengers, and the planned redevelopment of Terminal 1 to increase passenger handling capacity. The airport has also seen growth in passenger traffic, with a 6.3% year-on-year increase in 2024, and handles a significant number of air traffic movements.
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What You'll Learn
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is one of the busiest in the world
- A new terminal is under construction, increasing capacity by 42%
- Security levels are heightened, with additional pre-boarding checks
- The airport has an extensive art museum with 5,500 pieces
- MIAL has proposed increased fees for international passengers
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is one of the busiest in the world
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (IATA: BOM, ICAO: VABB) is one of the busiest airports in the world. Located in Mumbai, the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra, the airport is named after Shivaji, the 17th-century Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire.
In 2024, it was ranked as the 31st busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic, handling over 55.1 million passengers, surpassing its maximum capacity. It is the second busiest airport in India, after Delhi, and the 14th busiest in Asia. In 2018, the airport handled 49.8 million passengers, and in 2020, this number decreased to 45.87 million.
The airport has a rich history, with the initial airport built in 1930 and named RAF Santacruz. It served as a dedicated airfield during World War II and remained under British control until 1947. During this time, the airport had three runways and covered 610 acres of land. In 1946, the RAF transferred management to the Director General of Civil Aviation for Civil Operations, who converted abandoned hangers into passenger terminals.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has received several accolades, including being recognised as the World's Best Airport by Airports Council International and the Best Airport in India and Central Asia during the Skytrax World Airport Awards of 2016. It is also a certified 4-star airport by Skytrax for its facilities, comfort, cleanliness, shopping, food and beverages, and staff service.
The airport has also been the site of several notable incidents. In 1979, an Indian Airlines aircraft crashed while approaching the airport, killing all four crew members and 41 passengers. The same year, a fire erupted at the International Terminal, resulting in three deaths. In 2012, an Air India Flight suffered damage to its nose radar dome and left engine cowling upon landing, and in 2014, an Air India Flight had a near miss with another aircraft during takeoff due to an ATC instruction error.
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A new terminal is under construction, increasing capacity by 42%
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, India, is undergoing significant changes to accommodate growing passenger numbers. The airport, operated by Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), is managed by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL).
In March 2024, the Adani Group announced plans to demolish and rebuild Terminal 1, citing safety and structural challenges. The new terminal, set to be completed by 2028-29, will increase the airport's capacity by 42%, allowing it to manage 20 million passengers annually. This is a notable increase from the 49.8 million passengers handled in 2018 and the record-breaking 55.1 million passengers in 2024-25, which exceeded the airport's maximum capacity of 50 million.
The redevelopment of Terminal 1 is a carefully planned project, with the initial phase involving the demolition of the existing structure, starting in November 2025. During this construction period, Terminal 2 will manage the additional traffic, ensuring the continuation of operations with minimal disruption.
The new Terminal 1 will be connected to Terminal 2 through a three-lane underground tunnel, facilitating seamless airside passenger movement between the terminals. This upgrade is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the airport's functionality and improve the overall passenger experience.
In addition to the Terminal 1 redevelopment, the Navi Mumbai International Airport is also nearing completion, with an expected inauguration in June. This new airport will further enhance Mumbai's aviation capacity and alleviate the strain on the existing infrastructure.
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Security levels are heightened, with additional pre-boarding checks
Security levels at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, India, are heightened, with additional pre-boarding checks for all passengers. The airport is the second busiest in India and 14th busiest in Asia, serving millions of passengers each year.
The airport has a history of security issues, with a recent incident involving a bomb threat that caused a plane to land under full emergency conditions. The airport has also been a target for drug smuggling, with a recent haul by police amounting to 37 kg of drugs. In addition, a man was arrested for tearing pages out of his passport to conceal his trips, and eight people were apprehended while being sent to London illegally, posing as students.
Given the high volume of passenger traffic and the airport's history of security incidents, the implementation of additional security checks is a necessary precaution. These measures aim to ensure the safety of travellers and staff by identifying potential threats before boarding, enhancing the airport's overall security posture.
The additional pre-boarding checks may include enhanced screening of passengers and their belongings, stricter identity verification, and additional questioning to identify suspicious behaviour or intent. These checks are likely to be carried out by trained security personnel, utilising advanced technology and techniques to detect any potential security risks effectively.
Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport earlier than usual to account for the additional time required for these heightened security procedures. While these measures may cause some delays, they are essential to fortify the airport's defence against potential threats and to maintain the safety of all individuals passing through the airport.
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The airport has an extensive art museum with 5,500 pieces
Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is not just a hub for aviation, but also a destination for art enthusiasts. Terminal 2 of the airport is home to one of India's largest art museums, boasting a vast collection of artworks that surprises and delights travellers from all walks of life.
The museum stands out among India's cultural institutions and public art displays in airports worldwide. It showcases a diverse array of artistic styles, including contemporary, folk, antique, tribal, and crafts. The collection features both well-known and up-and-coming artists, with something to cater to all tastes and interests.
One of the most notable pieces in the museum is "Fortress of Clay" by Rajeev Sethi. This homage to rural India is crafted from mud and cow dung, materials that are integral to life in the Indian countryside. The sculpture depicts both human and animal figures and requires periodic maintenance with a fresh application of the earthy mixture to preserve its unique aesthetic.
The airport's commitment to showcasing Indian crafts and fine art extends beyond the museum walls. The check-in hall, for instance, boasts a stunning architectural design inspired by a peacock's tail. This spacious area welcomes passengers with natural light filtering through skylights and cosy nooks where travellers can relax before proceeding through security.
The art museum at Mumbai Airport is a unique cultural destination that challenges the notion that airports are solely transit spaces. By integrating art and architecture, the airport offers a sensory experience that surprises and delights travellers, leaving a lasting impression that extends beyond their journey.
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MIAL has proposed increased fees for international passengers
Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) has proposed a User Development Fee (UDF) of Rs 325 for domestic passengers and Rs 650 for international passengers. This marks a steep hike of Rs 463 for international passengers, who currently pay a UDF of Rs 187. The proposal also includes a 35% reduction in airline landing and parking charges, which is expected to positively impact airfares and maintain competitive ticket prices.
MIAL aims to enhance the passenger experience at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) through infrastructure development and technological improvements. Over the next five years, the airport plans to invest Rs 10,000 crore in airport infrastructure upgrades, with an estimated Rs 7,600 crore expected to be recovered through the revised tariff structure.
The additional revenue from UDF will support key projects, including the redevelopment of Terminal 1, digitalisation at Terminal 2, expansion of smart passenger technology, and sustainability initiatives. MIAL has already led several sustainability initiatives, such as converting vehicles to electric, introducing wind and solar energy systems, and maintaining runways.
The proposed fee hike is in line with the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority's (AERA) Consultation Paper issued on March 10, 2025, which approved a capex of Rs 7,832 crore and an 18.8% hike in fees from April 1, 2025. AERA will make the final decision on fare adjustments, and the implementation will come into effect only after its approval of MIAL's proposal.
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Frequently asked questions
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (IATA: BOM, ICAO: VABB), formerly known as Sahar Airport.
Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) has announced plans to demolish and rebuild Terminal 1, with the new terminal expected to be operational by 2028-29. The upgraded terminal will be able to handle 20 million passengers annually, a 42% boost in capacity.
Security measures at Mumbai airport include working with the police to ensure the safety of passengers and the continuation of operations. In addition, there is an advanced ATC tower that allows air traffic controllers to see 8km beyond the thresholds of both runways.
