Mumbai: Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), India’s second-busiest airport after New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), experienced a 5.3 percent year-on-year increase in passenger traffic for the first half of the fiscal year ending March 2025.
According to reports, Mumbai Airport recorded a total of 26.68 million passengers, marking a significant rise from the 25.33 million handled during the same period between April and September last year. This upward trend was primarily fueled by strong international travel demand, which grew by 11 percent over the period, while domestic passenger numbers also saw steady growth at 3 percent.
CSMIA operates on a single-runway system with two crossing runways, making it one of the world’s busiest single-runway airports. The airport's performance this year plays a crucial role in India’s aviation sector, especially as air travel continues to rebound post-pandemic. Sources attributed the growth in passenger traffic to increased international tourism and business travel, with travellers returning to routes that had been restricted or limited in frequency over the past few years.
Despite the operational limitations of a single-runway setup, Mumbai Airport's management has optimised air traffic movement (ATM) handling, ensuring efficient passenger flow.
CSMIA processed a total of 163,973 ATMs
In the first half of FY25, CSMIA processed a total of 163,973 ATMs, representing a 3 percent increase compared to the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. International flights contributed 44,143 ATMs, while domestic flights made up the remaining 119,830 ATMs. This balanced expansion reflects a resurgence in both sectors, though the international segment displayed stronger momentum. The airport reached a new single-day high on September 28, processing an unprecedented 164,617 passengers in a 24-hour window—a milestone that highlights the airport’s growing capacity to handle peak travel demands.
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Domestic travel within India continues to play a significant role in Mumbai Airport's operations. The primary domestic routes - Mumbai to Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad—accounted for a combined 6.95 million passengers over the six-month period. These high-traffic routes reflect the importance of Mumbai as a connecting hub for both business and leisure travel within India.
On the international front, routes to Dubai, Singapore, and London stood out as the top three destinations, collectively attracting 2.2 million travellers. These destinations, known for their appeal among both business and leisure travellers, continue to boost Mumbai’s status as a critical gateway for international connectivity.
Passenger traffic at CSMIA mirrors broader trends in the aviation industry
The sustained growth in passenger traffic at CSMIA mirrors broader trends in the aviation industry, with Indian airports seeing increased demand as travellers embrace both domestic and international flights in greater numbers. However, industry experts highlight the need for further infrastructure developments and operational efficiencies at Mumbai Airport to sustain this growth. As a single-runway airport handling millions of passengers annually, the efficient management of runway operations and air traffic flow will be crucial for accommodating future demand.
Meanwhile, the airport’s management remains optimistic about continued growth in both passenger numbers and ATMs, with plans to address operational challenges posed by rising demand. CSMIA’s role as a central hub for international and domestic flights positions it as a crucial player in India’s ongoing aviation expansion, setting the stage for Mumbai Airport’s continued influence in the sector.
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