Runway repairs off to a smooth start, but delays may follow

MUMBAI: The fear that repair work at Mumbai airport runway may cause flight disruptions was unfounded on Tuesday, the first day of the schedule, as an airstrip will

MUMBAI: The fear that repair work at Mumbai airport runway may cause flight disruptions was unfounded on Tuesday, the first day of the schedule, as an airstrip will be shut for four hours each day, said officials.

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According to the notice issued to airmen by the city airport administration, flight operations were shifted to the smaller runway at noon as the main runway was shut for maintenance. “The repairs largely comprise relaying of the surface ,” said an airport official. Operations on the primary runway resumed at 4 pm.

Air traffic control (ATC) officials said the Day 1 experience was “smooth” as flights were reduced during repair days. “Passengers could expect some delays due to congestion but waits are unlikely to be more than 15-20 minutes,” said an ATC official.

While partial closure will take place till November 30, the real challenge would be the complete shutdown from October 31. Both airstrips would be shut for 5 hours on Mondays and Thursdays. “During that time, we will work on the patch where both the runways intersect each other,” added the airport official.