Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport: Location and Importance

Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, officially renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), is a significant international airport located in Mumbai, the capital city of the state of Maharashtra, India.

Location and Naming

The airport, formerly known as Sahar International Airport, serves as the primary international gateway for the Mumbai Metropolitan Area. It is located in the city of Mumbai, which was previously known as Bombay. Mumbai is renowned for being the financial and entertainment hub of India, and it contributes significantly to the country's GDP, making it one of the most bustling urban centers in the nation.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is also home to the INS Shivaji, an Indian Naval station situated in Lonavala, Maharashtra, India. This naval station houses the Naval College of Engineering, which trains officers for both the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. The station was commissioned in 1945 and is adjacent to the Bhushi Dam.

At a Glance

Full Name: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

IATA Code: BOM

ICAO Code: VABB

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Type: International Airport

The airport is recognized for its pivotal role in facilitating international air travel in India. It handled a record 1007 aircraft movements on a single day in December 2018 and a staggering 51 movements in one hour on September 16, 2014. The airport has three operational terminals spread over a total land area of 750 hectares (1850 acres).

Key Features

- **Passenger Traffic:** As of 2018, the airport handled approximately 49.8 million passengers.

- **Cargo Traffic:** It is also the second busiest airport in India in terms of cargo traffic.

- **Runway Operations:** Despite having a single operational runway at a time, the airport managed to overtake London Gatwick Airport in March 2017 as the world's busiest airport with only one runway under operation.

The airport is renowned for its efficiency and meticulous management. It won the distinction of ACI's World’s Best Airport in 2017 and the Little More Award for Best Terminal Infrastructure in 2018. In addition, it is one of the three airports in India to have implemented the Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) system, which is instrumental in ensuring timely takeoffs and landings, and helps in managing airport operations effectively.

Contribution to the Economy

Maharashtra, where Mumbai is located, contributes the largest share towards India's GDP, highlighting the economic significance of the state. As the heart of the Mumbai Metropolitan Area, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport plays a crucial role in the region's economic growth by facilitating business travel, tourism, and trade.

Future Plans and Developments

With the continued growth of both the city and the state, the airport is likely to see further expansions and modernizations. Plans for the expansion of Terminal 2, which includes a new passport-controlled pier and baggage carousel, are ongoing to cater to the rising demand for air travel. Such developments underscore the airport's commitment to maintaining its position as a vital transport hub and its strategic importance for both the region and the nation.

In summary, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport stands as a testament to the development and economic importance of Mumbai and Maharashtra. Its strategic location, efficiency, and expanding infrastructure make it a crucial asset for India's aviation sector.