Mumbai Airport’s Main Runway Shut, May Take 48 Hours To Restore Ops

Mumbai airport authorities have said it could take up to 48 hours to re-open the main runway after it was closed late last night following a SpiceJet flight that overshot while landing amid heavy rain.

“Spicejet SG 6237 Jaipur-Mumbai flight overshoots runway while landing at Mumbai Airport. All passengers are safe, no injuries reported,” a spokesperson for the airline said in a statement last night. The plane had 167 passengers and crew on board.

A 150-metre-ramp is being prepared to help move the plane, a Boeing 737-800, which is still stuck at the end of the runway.

The incident further led to the diversion of as many as 55 flights to nearby airports of Ahmedabad and Bengaluru.

Amongst other airline, Air Vistara confirmed the cancellation of ten flights flying in and out of Mumbai, including going to Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai, Indigo warned its passengers that the bad weather could spell delays and cancellations.

Among the international flights that were diverted was a Korean Air flight from Seoul to Mumbai, a Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt and an Air India flight from Bangkok.

Deaths of over 20 people in rain-related incidents across Mumbai and Pune also forced authorities to declare a public holiday on Monday.

The city is set for more downpours in the next 24 to 48 hours. The Regional Meteorological Centre has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mumbai city and its suburbs.