Tag Archives: CSMIA

CSMIA records highest-ever 54.8mn passengers in CY2024

Closing 2024 on a high note, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) welcomed approximately 54.8 million passengers over the year. This marks a notable growth of 6.3% compared to CY 2023 and 19.41% compared to pre-pandemic CY 2019.

CSMIA also recorded 346,617 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs), marking a 3.2% increase over the previous year. These milestones reinforce the airport’s standing as a key global hub, connecting millions of travellers year after year.

CY2024 was an outstanding year for CSMIA, marked by significant growth and key milestones in passenger traffic and operational efficiency. The airport recorded its highest single-day passenger movement on December 21, 2024, serving approximately 170,000 passengers, including 116,982 domestic and 52,800 international travellers. December also emerged as the busiest month, with 5.05 million passengers, showcasing a 3.4% growth over December 2023. Additionally, the airport achieved a milestone with over 8,000 international ATMs in December, further strengthening its position as a global travel hub.

3 and 10 February 2024, saw CSMIA handle its highest-ever single-day ATMs for CY 2024, with 962 movements on both days, reflecting its operational efficiency and adaptability to surging demand. The year also saw peak passenger movement during holiday seasons, demonstrating the Airport’s ability to handle high-demand periods seamlessly.

Key Traffic Highlights
• Top Domestic Destinations and market share: Delhi (18%), Bengaluru (11%), and Goa (7%).
• Top International Destinations and market share: Dubai (16%), London (7%), and Abu Dhabi (7%).
• Top Regions for passenger travel: Middle East (48.8%), Asia-Pacific (28.2%), and Europe (14.5%).

Expanding Connectivity
CSMIA continued to enhance its network, introducing international routes to Tashkent and Almaty and domestic destinations like Deoghar, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, Ayodhya, and Vijayawada. The airport also welcomed prominent carriers, including Nok Air, Thai Viet Jet, Salam Air, Uzbekistan Airways, and Air Astana, further cementing its status as a preferred gateway for global travel.

CSMIA’s outstanding performance in CY 2024 highlights its unwavering commitment to operational excellence, exceptional passenger experiences, and expanding global connectivity. With sustained growth, innovation, and strategic expansion, CSMIA remains a leader in the aviation industry, setting new benchmarks for excellence and adaptability.

CSMIA becomes first Indian airport to receive ACI Level 5 Accreditation

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has been awarded with Level 5 accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI) — the pinnacle of recognition in ACI’s Airport Customer Experience Accreditation Programme.

CSMIA is the first airport in India and third airport in the world to achieve this remarkable milestone, distinguishing CSMIA as a leader in passenger satisfaction and operational excellence. By securing this esteemed honour, CSMIA proudly joins the ranks of the world’s top-performing airports.

Speaking on the occasion, Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) said, “CSMIA is thrilled to stand among the world’s leading airports to receive this esteemed recognition. This prestigious accreditation is the outcome of our dedication to understanding and enhancing the passenger experience. This achievement not only highlights our progress, it also reinforces CSMIA’s role as a global leader in airport operations and passenger service, strengthening our resolve to shape the future of airport experiences.”

Design thinking methodologies employed at CSMIA enabled the development of innovative solutions that address needs of stakeholders, including airlines, retail and lounge partners, and regulatory bodies. Continuous collection and analysis of customer feedback and CSAT scores helped identify pain points and areas for improvement. Employees, vendor partners and stakeholders like CISF, Immigration, Customs and Airlines play a crucial role in customer service. All teams at CSMIA have undergone rigorous training focused on enabling smooth passenger journeys.

CSMIA welcomes 4.42mn passengers during Diwali

 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) achieved a significant milestone in October 2024, managing over 4.42 million passengers during the festive Diwali season. This included 3.16 million domestic and 1.25 million international travellers, highlighting a strong demand for both local and global connectivity. The airport’s commitment to efficiency ensured a seamless experience for the surge of passengers celebrating the festival of lights.

October marked a record-breaking month for CSMIA, with 939 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) on October 26, the highest in a single day. The airport managed a total of 19,848 domestic and 7,222 international ATMs, showcasing its ability to adapt to the growing demand. Expanded flight options during the month allowed travellers more flexibility, cementing CSMIA’s reputation as a leading travel hub.

Top domestic destinations from CSMIA in October included Delhi, Bangalore, and Goa, with Delhi witnessing 0.58 million passengers. On the international front, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and London emerged as the most popular destinations. This diverse mix of key cities underscores the airport’s strategic role in connecting passengers to important business and leisure hubs worldwide.

International passenger traffic was driven primarily by the Middle East, which accounted for 51% of the share, followed by Asia at 23% and Europe at 17%. Key contributors to this growth included new flight services such as Nok Air to Don Mueang, Thailand, and Virgin Atlantic to London. These developments not only boosted connectivity but also reinforced CSMIA’s role as a gateway to major global regions.

Throughout October, and especially during the Diwali rush, CSMIA maintained its commitment to excellence, managing high passenger volumes with efficiency and ensuring smooth operations. With its world-class facilities and dedication to safety and service, the airport continues to strengthen its standing as a premier international hub, offering exceptional connectivity and a delightful travel experience.

Mumbai Airport gears up for 964 daily flights during winter schedule

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has unveiled its Winter Schedule 2024. The new schedule boasts a notable increase in flight movements, offering passengers a selection of destinations with 964 daily flight movements. Running till March 29, 2025, Mumbaikars and transfer passengers can take advantage of these enhanced travel options and experience the convenience and joy of winter travel from Mumbai.

Additionally, the Winter Schedule will increase services to international destinations including Toronto, Bangkok, London and Amman, Jordan.

CSMIA is geared up to provide an extensive network of travel options for its passengers with 2,361 weekly domestic flights and 1,011 weekly international flights accounting for a total of 3,372 weekly flights for the Winter Schedule 2024. This robust connectivity will link travellers to 115 destinations from CSMIA, ensuring a seamless travel experience during this lively season of celebrations. With increased travel on both domestic and international routes, CSMIA is expected to experience around a 4% increase vis-à-vis the summer schedule of 2024, and around a 2% increase compared to the Winter Schedule of 2023.

Further bolstering its international connectivity, CSMIA is expanding its operations with several new routes. Notably, Air Canada will resume its service to Toronto starting October 28, 2024, with four weekly flights. Nok Air will introduce its services to Bangkok (DMK) from October 27, 2024, offering eight weekly flights.

Thai VietJet will also start daily flights to Bangkok (BKK) around Dec’24. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic is set to introduce a second daily flight to London Heathrow starting October 28, 2024, while Royal Jordanian will begin a new route to Amman with four weekly flights during Feb-Mar 2025. These new routes and airlines will give travellers from Mumbai access to exciting international vacation destinations.

In terms of airline dominance at CSMIA, IndiGo is set to lead with a 47% market share in the domestic segment. Air India follows with 19%, while Vistara standing strong in the third position with 17% airline market share. On the international front, IndiGo continues to lead with 20% market share, followed by Air India and Vistara with 13% and 10% market share, respectively. With a robust Winter Schedule 2024, CSMIA reaffirms its position as a leading global hub, offering passengers seamless connectivity and a truly memorable travel experience.

Mumbai Airport to Begin Work on Underground Tunnel Linking T1 and T2 After Monsoon

Mumbai Airport to Begin Work on Underground Tunnel Linking T1 and T2 After Monsoon

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai is set to begin the next phase of augmenting its physical infrastructure after the monsoon season. The operator, Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), recently informed airlines that it will commence work on the underground tunnel to link the T1 and T2 airsides within the next three to six months, according to sources who attended a presentation made by MIAL.

The big wave of development at CSMIA will commence after the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) becomes operational by next March. At that time, many facilities, including hangars, cargo, and general aviation, will be shifted to NMIA. Several aircraft parking stands will be created in the vacated space at CSMIA, and Terminal 1 (T1) will be demolished to make way for a new terminal.

While the major phase of development will start after NMIA becomes operational, work to augment infrastructure at CSMIA is likely to begin before the new hub is ready. Airlines were informed that tunnel work will commence this year, depending on the severity of the monsoon season.

The proposed S-shaped underground tunnel under the runways has been postponed for many years, initially due to the COVID-19 pandemic crippling air travel when MIAL, then backed by GVK, deferred capital expenditure of about INR 3,000 crore on many projects, including this tunnel. In 2021, the Adani Group took over MIAL, thereby gaining the right to build NMIA.

The focus is also on augmenting infrastructure at CSMIA, which is not a single campus but a disjointed one, where airside transfer of passengers between T1 and T2 is not currently possible. The capacity of T2 is also being expanded to accommodate the growing passenger traffic.

CSMIA to facilitate 33,000 pilgrims for Haj this year

 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is poised to play a crucial role in this year’s Haj pilgrimage, expecting to facilitate the departure of 33,000 pilgrims from Mumbai to Saudi Arabia. Between May and July 2024, CSMIA anticipates managing over 65,000 passengers, including both arrivals and departures. This significant operation underscores CSMIA’s importance as a major departure point for the Haj pilgrimage in India. The airport is fully prepared to handle the increased passenger traffic with a phased and coordinated approach.

In 2024, CSMIA expects a remarkable 157% year-on-year increase in the number of Haj pilgrims compared to 2023, when 12,815 pilgrims departed from the airport. The annual Haj flights from CSMIA span two months each year. For 2024, departures began on May 25 and will continue until June 12, with returning pilgrims expected to arrive starting in July 2024.

CSMIA operates a robust schedule to Saudi Arabia, with airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and Saudia Airlines collectively running 11 flights daily. During the peak Haj period, Saudia Airlines handles the official Haj movement from CSMIA. To accommodate the surge in pilgrim traffic, 101 additional ferry flights have been scheduled for both departures and arrivals, demonstrating CSMIA’s commitment to ensuring a smooth travel experience for all Haj pilgrims.

CSMIA is also enhancing its facilities and services at Terminal 2 exclusively for Haj pilgrims to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.

Key facilities include:

• Separate Approach Road: A dedicated road at the departures level for convenient and direct access for Haj pilgrims.
• Dedicated Drop-off Point: An exclusive drop-off location for Haj pilgrims.
• Exclusive Parking and Lifts: Dedicated parking at MLCP P9 and two operational lifts between P9 and P10 on the East Side for Haj pilgrims.
• Streamlined Access: Pilgrims can exit MLCP at P10 East Side, proceed to Gate 2, and enter from Departure Entry Gate 3 for check-in.
• Dedicated Check-in Area: Check-in Island C is reserved exclusively for Haj operations.
• Special Screening Area: A dedicated screening area for a smooth security process.
• Immigration Counters: Specific counters allocated for Haj travellers’ immigration checks.
• Dedicated Boarding Gates: Gates 46, 47, and 48 assigned for all Haj departures.
• Comfort Facilities: Separate seating arrangements, prayer rooms for ladies and gents, and a Wazu area.
• Senior Official Deployment: A dedicated senior official to manage and coordinate with Haj volunteers and airlines for all Haj flights.

CSMIA is honored to support the Haj pilgrimage, recognising its profound spiritual significance. As the airport prepares to manage over an estimated 65,000 pilgrims this year, encompassing both arrivals and departures, it reaffirms its commitment to ensuring a seamless, safe, and comfortable travel experience. CSMIA is dedicated to demonstrating exceptional hospitality and facilitating this journey for thousands of devotees.