Airport

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM)

Located in Mumbai, India’s financial capital, the Chhatrapati Shivaji International (CSI) Airport is one of the largest aviation hubs in the country. Attracting a large number of visitors from around the world, it is the second busiest airport in India. It serves the city of Mumbai and its suburban areas. The airport boasts of separate locations for its domestic and international terminals in the western suburbs of Santacruz and Andheri, respectively.

The airport at Santacruz was built in 1942, replacing the city’s former aviation base, the Juhu Aerodrome. It was later expanded with an additional terminal at Andheri in order to meet the air traffic requirements. Initially known as the Sahar International Airport, it was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, after the famous Maratha king, in 1999.

Appreciated for its modern infrastructure and excellent passenger service, the CSI Airport has won many awards including the Vasundhara Award in 2015 for its role in environmental conservation and the Platinum A Design Award 2015 for its architecture.

Flight Information

A major aviation hub, the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is connected to a number of domestic as well as international destinations. Passenger flights are available to as many as 47 Indian cities including New Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Udaipur and Rajkot. The domestic routes attracting the most passenger traffic are Mumbai to New Delhi and Mumbai to Bengaluru.

In addition, the airport offers flight services to 43 overseas locations such as London, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Cairo, Singapore and Paris, amongst others. Popular international routes include Mumbai to Dubai and Mumbai to Singapore.

A large number of passenger airlines provide services at the CSI Airport. Air India, Go Air, SpiceJet, and IndiGo are some of the domestic airlines operating here. Bangkok Airways, British Airways, Emirates, and Lufthansa are among the 40 international airlines that operate at the CSI Airport.

Terminals

As mentioned earlier, the terminals at the CSI Airport are located at two different locations, namely Santacruz and Andheri. The Santacruz base houses the three domestic terminals, Terminal 1A, Terminal 1B and Terminal 1C. All the domestic arrivals and departures take place here. Terminal 2 at Andheri is used for arrivals and departures of international flights. CSI Airport’s Terminal 2 is India’s first-ever vertical passenger terminal and is renowned for its impressive, state-of-the-art architectural design.

Traveling in and Around

Several accessible transport facilities make traveling to and from the CSI Airport convenient and hassle-free. A number of car rentals and fleet owners offer services at both the terminals of the airport. Pre-paid taxis and radio cabs are also available.

Public transport is also an excellent way of commuting in Mumbai. BEST buses, metered black-and-yellow taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available near the airport. Besides, the local train network provides connectivity to the suburban areas.

In order to cover the distance in location of its domestic and international terminals, the CSI Airport also offers the In-Terminal transfer service for transit passengers. It consists of AC buses that ply between the terminals throughout the day at short intervals.

Services and Facilities

A number of essential services are provided at the CSI Airport to ensure a comfortable experience for travelers. The airport houses several lounges such the Pranaam GVK Lounge, CIP Lounge, and Loyalty Lounge at the international terminal and the Carnations Lounge at the domestic one. Passengers can spend their waiting hours by relaxing and enjoying the leisure services provided here.

The airport houses special childcare rooms and baby strollers at all the terminals. Efficient care and paramedic services are available to cater to medical emergencies. Staff supervision and assistance are provided to unaccompanied minors, whereas free wheelchair services are available for passengers with special needs.

Prayer rooms, postal and telecommunication services, baggage trolleys and wrapping services, ATMs, free Wi-Fi, and foreign exchange counters for international travelers are some of the other services offered. Several information desks manned by airport staff are placed across the airport to aid passengers.

Things to Do

Travelers can enjoy a number of leisure activities while waiting at the CSI Airport. There are numerous retail outlets and stores at both the terminals where you can shop for accessories, artifacts, and even international brands. The Jay He Art Wall at Terminal 2 is worth a visit for those who would like to view a marvelous display of traditional artwork. Passengers may also enjoy a range of spa services provided at the airport lounges.

Accommodation

The CSI Airport provides a hotel facilitation service that allows travelers to book hotels from the airport itself. The service is available at the domestic Terminal 1B and international Terminal 2. Hotel Transit, The Orchid, and Bawa International near the airport offer travelers a comfortable stay.

Helpful Tips

Passengers using the inter-terminal transfer between domestic and international terminals are recommended to check the schedules to avoid missing their flights

Mumbai experiences frequent rains and overcast conditions during monsoons. This may cause flight delays, extending your waiting period.

Nearby Attractions

The City of Dreams, Mumbai is a delightful travel destination. From commercial attractions like shopping and nightlife, to the colorful film culture, to historical sites like the Gateway of India, the city offers a range of memorable experiences. The Juhu Beach, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri, better known as Film City, are some of the attractions near the airport.