The post-monsoon runway maintenance at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has officially ended. This was done to ensure smooth flight operations and the highest standards of passenger safety. On October 17, 2023, maintenance was carried out between 1100 and 1700 on both runways, RWY 09/27 and RWY 14/32. With careful planning to ensure no delays to flight schedules, the total repair and maintenance work was carried out with great success. The CSMIA resumed regular business activities after six hours of work. This yearly practice of runway repair work is carried out to increase the airport’s operating effectiveness.
In order to ensure that flight schedules were scheduled in advance and did not disturb passengers, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was properly issued six months in advance with airlines and other stakeholders. Being one of the busiest airports in the country, CSMIA is very proud of its ability to conduct safe, secure, effective, and uninterrupted operations, which is made possible by its painstakingly planned and carried out runway maintenance efforts year-round. For the runways to be returned to their ideal condition and to ensure smooth operations while maintaining the airport’s infrastructure to the highest standards, timely inspections and maintenance of the runways are essential.
The careful execution of this significant part of CSMIA’s annual strategy demonstrates the airport’s commitment to making passengers the center of all activities. Leading international gateway CSMIA understands that its function goes beyond only acting as a center for traveler transit. The upkeep is a component of the airport’s monsoon contingency plan, which was created to respond to and alleviate any potential problems that may have arisen during the city’s monsoon season.
As part of its maintenance work, CSMIA installed runway edge lights for a section of the intersection of runways 14 and 32, dug trenches for laying underground cables to separate AGLs (aeronautical ground lights) close to the start of runway 09, tested the strength of RESAs (runway end safety areas) for both runways 09 and 27, and repaired surface damage such as cracks and disjoints, especially near the intersection of the two runways. A different team carefully examined more than 5000 installed aviation lights to look for damage. Additionally examined were cables crucial for lighting, IT, and navigational aids, as well as the drain pits and chambers along the runway.
With over 930 flights per day, CSMIA consistently provides operational continuity, prompt inspections, and runway repairs to restore its health. Engineers with specialized training and airside crews look for symptoms of distress such as micro and macro texture wear and tear on the runway surface. These inspections are done during the regular closures of runways 09/27 and 14/32 at various times throughout the week.
The CSMIA expresses gratitude to all parties involved and users for their cooperation and teamwork during the runway maintenance. The CSMIA is committed to innovation and ongoing development as we go. The cornerstone of the airport’s operations will continue to be its dedication to providing top-notch safety and service standards, making CSMIA a popular choice for both domestic and international travelers.
Source- Travel daily
