India, May 7 -- Flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will be halted for six hours between 11am and 5pm on Thursday owing to the shutting of both the runways for annual pre-monsoon maintenance to prepare for the rainy season.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the airport operator said the maintenance is crucial for preserving the health and longevity of airside infrastructure.

"Both the primary runway 09/27 and secondary runway 14/32 will be temporarily non-operational. As part of CSMIA' s comprehensive monsoon contingency plan, stakeholder consultation was carried out six months in advance to notify airlines and other stakeholders, enabling airlines to adjust their flight schedules well ahead ...