Mumbai International Airport, officially known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, serves as India's second-busiest aviation hub and the primary gateway to Mumbai, the financial capital of India. This major international airport connects the bustling metropolis with destinations across the globe, playing a crucial role in business travel, international trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Located in a city that houses Bollywood, major financial institutions, corporate headquarters, and serves as India's commercial heart, Mumbai Airport handles enormous passenger traffic throughout the year. The airport serves as a vital hub for both domestic and international travelers, including business executives, tourists, film industry professionals, and the large Indian diaspora. With its world-class facilities, extensive connectivity, and strategic importance, Mumbai International Airport stands as one of Asia's premier aviation facilities, contributing significantly to India's economic growth and global connectivity.
Mumbai International Airport has a distinguished history spanning nearly a century. The airport began operations in 1942 as a small airfield during World War II. After independence, it became Mumbai's main airport and was named after the great Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The airport underwent significant expansion in the 1970s and 1980s as Mumbai emerged as India's commercial capital. A major transformation occurred in 2006 when the airport was privatized and Mumbai International Airport Limited took over operations. This marked the beginning of a massive modernization program. The iconic Terminal 2, one of the world's largest integrated terminals, was inaugurated in 2014, dramatically transforming the airport experience with its stunning architecture featuring traditional Indian art and modern design. The terminal showcases India's largest public art program with works from renowned artists. The old terminals were renovated, and infrastructure was continuously upgraded with advanced technology, improved passenger amenities, and expanded capacity. These developments have positioned Mumbai Airport as a world-class facility handling over 40 million passengers annually.
Official Name: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
IATA Code: BOM
Address: Mumbai International Airport Ltd 1st Floor Terminal 1 Santacruz East Mumbai Maharashtra India
Airport Pin Code: 400099
Distance from Mumbai City Centre: Approximately 28 kilometers
Phone Number: +91 22 66851010
Old Name: Sahar International Airport, Santa Cruz Airport
Mumbai has one major international airport serving the metropolitan area. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is the sole commercial aviation facility, though Navi Mumbai International Airport is under construction to handle future growth. The existing airport serves not only Mumbai but functions as a major hub for western India and international connectivity. Given Mumbai's status as India's financial and entertainment capital, the airport handles the highest concentration of business travelers, international passengers, and cargo operations in India. Its position as India's gateway to the world makes it an indispensable transportation hub for national and international connectivity.
Mumbai Airport operates with two main terminal buildings serving different passenger categories.
Terminal 1 handles domestic flight operations with separate sections for different airlines. The terminal connects Mumbai with cities across India. Terminal 2 also handles significant domestic traffic alongside international operations. Both terminals feature modern check-in facilities, security screening, lounges, dining options, and shopping areas designed to efficiently process the massive passenger volumes.
Terminal 2, the stunning integrated international terminal, serves flights to destinations worldwide including North America, Europe, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Australia. This architectural marvel is equipped with comprehensive immigration and customs facilities, extensive duty-free shopping, luxury brand stores, diverse dining options, premium lounges, and world-class passenger amenities. Given Mumbai's role as India's primary international gateway, the international terminal handles millions of passengers connecting India with the world.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Mumbai Airport are located at different ends of the airport complex. The distance between the terminals is approximately 3 to 4 kilometers. Free shuttle bus services connect the terminals for passengers with connecting flights. The journey between terminals typically takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. Passengers should allow adequate time for inter-terminal transfers when making connections.
Mumbai Airport has two intersecting runways that serve all flight operations. The main runway and the secondary cross runway are equipped with advanced lighting systems, Instrument Landing Systems, and navigation aids to ensure safe operations during all weather conditions, including monsoons. The runway configuration, while efficient, operates near capacity during peak hours, which is why a new airport is being constructed in Navi Mumbai to handle future growth.
Mumbai Airport offers extensive world-class facilities. Available facilities include:
Mumbai Metro's Airport Line connects the airport with Andheri and links to other metro lines. The metro provides quick connectivity to various parts of Mumbai, taking approximately 20 to 40 minutes depending on the destination.
BEST buses operate regular services to the airport from various Mumbai locations. AC buses provide comfortable travel. The journey duration varies from 45 minutes to 90 minutes depending on origin point and traffic conditions.
Mumbai's iconic black-and-yellow taxis, app-based services like Ola and Uber, and prepaid taxis are readily available. Travel time from South Mumbai ranges from 45 minutes to 90 minutes depending on traffic. Western suburbs are closer with 20 to 40 minute travel times.
Private cars can reach the airport via the Western Express Highway. The airport provides extensive parking facilities across terminals. Travel time varies from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on starting location and Mumbai's notorious traffic conditions.
Mumbai Airport offers exceptional amenities. Terminal 2 features the Jaya He GVK New Museum showcasing India's largest public art program with works by renowned artists. You can explore luxury shopping including international brands rarely found in India. Diverse dining options range from quick snacks to fine dining restaurants serving global cuisines. Multiple lounges offer premium relaxation. The transit hotel provides rest facilities. Free Wi-Fi enables connectivity. The stunning architecture itself, featuring traditional Indian motifs and modern design, makes the terminal an attraction worth exploring.
Mumbai offers countless attractions. The Gateway of India monument overlooks the Arabian Sea. Marine Drive offers scenic coastal views. The historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Elephanta Caves on Elephanta Island feature ancient rock-cut temples. The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel showcases colonial grandeur. Bollywood studios offer film industry glimpses. The bustling Crawford Market and Colaba Causeway provide shopping experiences. Juhu Beach is popular for seaside visits. The Haji Ali Dargah stands majestically in the sea. Museums, art galleries, and historic neighborhoods make Mumbai a captivating metropolis blending tradition with modernity.
The official name is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, named after the great Maratha warrior king.
The IATA code is BOM.
Terminal 1 serves domestic flights. Terminal 2 serves both international and domestic flights with the international operations housed in the main section.
Andheri Railway Station is the nearest, located approximately 3 to 4 kilometers from the airport, with both Western and Central line connectivity.
Mumbai Airport is located in Andheri East, approximately 28 kilometers from South Mumbai city center in Maharashtra, India.
Mumbai Airport began operations in 1942. The modern Terminal 2 was inaugurated in 2014 following extensive modernization.
Yes, Mumbai International Airport operates 24 hours a day, handling flights throughout the day and night.
The airport is approximately 28 kilometers from South Mumbai, taking 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic.
Virtually all major domestic and international airlines operate from Mumbai including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara, Emirates, British Airways, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and numerous others.
Yes, Mumbai Airport has extensive lounge facilities including airline-specific lounges, pay-per-use lounges, and premium lounges offering world-class amenities.
Domestic Flights
International Flights