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A Guide to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai
Exploring the history and operations of Maharashtra's primary aviation hub.
Official airport website
BOM · VABB · Mumbai, Maharashtra
Airport name, codes and official link checked 29 Oct 2026. Confirm current flights and travel requirements with the airport and your airline.
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Tags: Mumbai Airport · Maharashtra · Adani Group · Aviation History · BOM Airport · Travel India
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) serves as the primary international gateway to Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra. It is one of two airports serving the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, alongside the Navi Mumbai International Airport. As a major global hub, it was ranked as the 14th-busiest airport in Asia and the 28th-busiest in the world by passenger traffic in 2025.
Managed by Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), the facility is a joint venture between Adani Enterprises—a subsidiary of the Adani Group—and the Airports Authority of India. The airport's physical footprint spans the suburbs of Santacruz and Sahar Village in Vile Parle East.
Historical Evolution
The airport's origins date back to the 1930s when it was known as RAF Santa Cruz. During World War II, the airfield served as a base for several RAF squadrons, providing a larger landing area compared to the nearby Juhu Aerodrome.
Over the decades, the airport underwent significant identity changes. Originally known to many as Sahar Airport, it was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in 1999. In August 2018, the title 'Maharaj' was officially added to the name.
Naming and Legacy
The airport is named in honor of Shivaji, the 17th-century Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire who lived from 1630 to 1680. This naming reflects the cultural and historical importance of the leader to the state of Maharashtra and the city of Mumbai.
Today, the airport stands as the second-busiest in India for both total and international passenger traffic, trailing only behind the airport in Delhi.
Operational Management
Current operations are handled through a partnership involving private and public stakeholders. MIAL, which oversees the airport, combines the resources of the Adani Group and the government-run Airports Authority of India.
The airport continues to function as a vital piece of infrastructure for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, handling high volumes of domestic and international traffic through its terminals in Vile Parle East.
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