Mumbai International Airport: A Handbook for Travelers

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Do you want to visit Mumbai and bask in the wonder of India but need help knowing where to start? We will be your guide. When you come to India, whether for leisure or work, you should arrive at Mumbai International Airport. This airport is the second busiest airport in the country, seconded by Delhi’s Indira International Gandhi Airport. This airport is known to locals as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. It is named after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a king in the 17th century.

Mumbai International Airport

The two main international entry points into India are Mumbai Airport and Delhi Airport, commonly known as Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and Sahar International Airport. Opened to the public as early as 1942, it only received support for international travel in 1982. This airport also adopted the airport code BOM (Bombay) for IATA and VABB for ICAO.

It was named “World’s Best Airport” at the 2017 Airport Service Quality Awards alongside IGI Delhi for its capabilities of handling more than 40 million passengers yearly.

Air India, Vistara, Go First, and IndiGo have hubs at Mumbai Airport. IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir, TruJet, Air India Express, FedEx Express, Jet Airways, Air Asia, Star Air, and Blue Dart Aviation also have it as one of their main cities. The Mumbai Airport is in Andheri, 8 kilometers north of the city’s center.

Apart from its capability of handling an immense amount of passengers, the airport also provides passengers and customers with two accommodating terminals. Those terminals offer essential services like restaurants, shops, duty-free, and medical services. They provide modes of transportation to help people traverse the city. Let’s start with the terminals and keep the barrel rolling.

Terminal and Facilities

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport accommodates two terminals supporting two types of travel. The first terminal operates domestic flights. Meanwhile, the second terminal is for international travel.

The first terminal is also known as Santacruz Airport, and the second terminal was formerly known as Sahar International Airport. They provide coaches for passengers to transfer between terminals.

Restaurants

Hungry or feel bored waiting in the airport? Be sure to grab a bite as Mumbai International Airport opens many food facilities and restaurants to ensure your travel won’t run on an empty stomach.

The food ranges from a full-course meal to even lighter snacks. This also includes gifts or souvenirs you could buy either on the plane or when you land. Sometimes you prefer foods from the ground to the ones from the sky, you could also get these foods to go. Or even eat them later on the plane to rest after the long journey.

Hotels

Are you stuck in an unfortunate moment, or maybe you’re spent after the whole day of traveling? Fear not because Mumbai International Airport has a transit hotel called Niranta Airport Transit Hotel.

Don’t get lost! The hotel is placed at Terminal 2, perfect for those coming from outside the country who needs a break. For international travel, it is located at level 1’s Arrival hall and landside east wing. It is also available in level 4, International Departures, for those waiting for transit or getting stuck on a delayed flight.

You may prefer to stay outside and get out of the airport vibe, which is totally understandable.

Airport Transportation

After arriving, thinking about transportation to reach your hotel or even going anywhere becomes a roadblock, quite literally or figuratively. Luckily the airport provides a dedicated port for public transport such as buses, taxis, and even rental car services.

Though there are no direct connections to train lines, it is close enough for you to make the trip without losing much time or even increasing your expenses by taking a cab there.

Duty-Free Shops

One of the best ways to end a trip is to browse at duty-free stores, either for your own pocket or to gift people back home. Airport duty-free stores provide goods exempt from the local tax fee, in contrast to several stores nationwide. However, you still have to pay the duty in your native country.

Located at Arrival in Terminal 2, they provide a variety of alcohol, cigarettes, cosmetics, candy, travel supplies, and hand-picked souvenirs waiting for you. To get the most out of your shopping experience, make sure you have some free time to explore.

Hopefully, this handbook has been a help in either deciding your travel or aiding your journey. Make sure to check more content scattered in the book to further elaborate your understanding. Planning to visit Mumbai? Book your trips and even hotels here in Airpaz!