You land. The humid Mumbai air hits you the second those plane doors creak open, but then you step into Terminal 2 and honestly, it feels more like a high-end art gallery than a transit hub. That’s the thing about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. It’s a massive, pulsating contradiction. It is one of the busiest single-runway operations in the entire world, yet it houses a multi-kilometer art wall that most people just sprint past because they’re late for a connecting flight to Goa.
If you call it Sahar or Santa Cruz, you’re probably showing your age. Or you’re a local. Most people just call it BOM.
Navigating this place isn't just about following signs. It’s about understanding the rhythm of a city that never sleeps, condensed into two main terminals that aren't even next to each other. If you mess that up, you're looking at a 20-minute taxi ride through Mumbai traffic just to reach the right gate. It happens more often than you'd think.
The Terminal 1 vs. Terminal 2 Mess
Let's clear this up immediately because it’s the number one way travelers ruin their day. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is split. Terminal 1 (T1) is for domestic low-cost carriers. Think Indigo, Akasa, or SpiceJet. Terminal 2 (T2) is the shiny, iconic one that handles all international flights and the full-service domestic ones like Air India or Vistara.
They are miles apart. Do not assume there is a walkable bridge. There isn't.
If you land at T2 and have a connecting flight from T1, you have to exit the airport, find the shuttle or grab an Uber, and brave the Western Express Highway. Depending on the time of day, that "short" trip can take 15 minutes or 45 minutes. Mumbai traffic is a sentient beast that feeds on your anxiety. Always check your ticket. Then check it again.
Why the "Jaya He" Art Wall Actually Matters
Most airport decor is soul-crushing beige. BOM decided to do something different. The GVK New Museum, or "Jaya He," stretches across the arrivals and departures levels of T2. It’s basically 3.2 kilometers of Indian history. We're talking 7,000 artifacts.
It’s easy to ignore when you’re lugging a 23kg suitcase and sweating. But honestly? It’s the best free museum in India. You’ll see 100-year-old wooden doorways from Gujarat, intricate shadow puppets from Andhra Pradesh, and contemporary installations that make you stop and stare. It’s a genuine attempt to make you feel like you’ve actually arrived in India, rather than just another generic glass-and-steel tube.
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The Logistics of the Single Runway Dance
Here is a fact that blows people's minds: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport basically runs on a single runway for most of its peak operations. While there are two runways (09/27 and 14/32), they intersect. They can’t be used simultaneously for long stretches.
The Air Traffic Control (ATC) here are basically magicians. In 2018, this airport set a world record by handling nearly 1,000 flights in 24 hours on a single runway. That’s a takeoff or landing every 65 seconds or so.
When your pilot says you’re "number ten in sequence for departure," they aren't kidding. The precision required to keep this many planes moving without a massive pile-up is staggering. If there is a slight drizzle or a technical glitch, the ripple effect across Indian airspace is immediate. Because Mumbai is the gateway to South India and the Middle East, when BOM sneezes, the whole country gets a cold.
Surviving the Security and Immigration Queues
Look, let’s be real. Immigration at T2 can be a breeze or a nightmare. There is no middle ground. If you arrive at 2:00 AM—which is when all the European and Middle Eastern flights dump their passengers—you will see lines. Long ones.
Pro tip: The e-Visa line is often separate and sometimes moves slower because of the fingerprinting process. If you have a physical visa sticker, you might actually get through faster.
For domestic travelers, the DigiYatra system is a godsend. It uses facial recognition. You scan your face, the gate opens, and you bypass the guy manually checking ID cards and boarding passes. It’s currently active at T2 and significantly cuts down the wait. If you haven't downloaded the app yet, do it in the taxi. It works.
Eating Your Way Through the Terminal
Airport food is usually overpriced cardboard. At Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, it’s actually decent, but you have to know where to go.
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T2 has the "Street Food by Punjab Grill" which hits the spot if you want a last-minute Vada Pav that won't give you a stomach bug before a 10-hour flight. If you have lounge access, the Adani Lounge in T2 is legendary. It’s huge. The food spread is better than most 5-star hotels, and there’s even a spa section.
But if you’re stuck in the general terminal? Just grab a coffee at Blue Tokai. It’s local Indian craft coffee and it’s leagues better than the burnt stuff at the big international chains.
The Adani Takeover and Future Changes
Ownership changed hands a few years back. The Adani Group now manages the show. You’ve probably noticed the branding everywhere. What does this mean for you? Mostly, better infrastructure maintenance and a push toward "Airport City" vibes.
There’s a lot of construction happening around the airport perimeter. They are trying to integrate the Metro lines. Eventually—hopefully by late 2025 or 2026—you’ll be able to take the Underground Metro Line 3 directly to the airport. This will be a game-changer. Currently, you’re stuck with taxis, Rickshaws (only at T1!), or private cars.
Speaking of Rickshaws: You cannot take an auto-rickshaw to Terminal 2. It’s banned. They can only drop you off near T1 or at specific points in the suburbs. If you show up to T2 in a rickshaw, the police will stop you before you even get to the ramp. Take an Uber or a "Cool Cab."
Parking and Pickups: A Lesson in Patience
Picking someone up at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is a test of character. At T2, the arrivals area is multi-leveled. If you tell your driver "I'm at the exit," they won't find you. You need to tell them the Pillar Number.
The pillars are clearly marked (e.g., P7, P12). Memorize yours.
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The parking rates are extortionate if you stay more than 30 minutes. Most drivers will circle the outer roads like vultures until you tell them you’ve actually cleared customs. Don’t call them until you have your bags in hand.
Is the New Navi Mumbai Airport Going to Kill BOM?
The short answer: No.
The long answer: The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIH) is meant to ease the pressure. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is landlocked. It’s surrounded by the city and slums. It cannot grow. It has no space for a third runway.
Once the new airport opens, expect some international long-haul flights to shift there. But BOM will always be the heart of the city. It’s too central to die. It’s the legacy hub.
Practical Insights for the Modern Traveler
Don't just wing it. This airport is too big for that.
- Lounge Access: If your credit card offers it, use it. The lounges at T2 are some of the best in Asia. But be warned: they get crowded. Sometimes there is a waitlist just to sit down.
- Duty-Free: Mumbai’s duty-free is surprisingly competitive, especially for Scotch and local luxury goods. They often have "buy 2 get 1" deals that actually make sense.
- WiFi: You need an Indian phone number to get an OTP (One-Time Password) for the free WiFi. If you’re an international traveler without a local SIM, you have to go to an information desk to get a physical voucher. It’s annoying. Do it early.
- The "Silent Airport" Policy: They don’t announce boarding over the speakers anymore. Keep your eyes on the screens. If you’re deep into a book or a nap, you will miss your flight.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is a microcosm of Mumbai itself. It’s loud, it’s beautiful, it’s slightly chaotic, but it works with a weird, mechanical efficiency.
Next time you're there, don't just rush to your gate. Look up at the "peacock" inspired ceiling in T2. Look at the art. Realize that you're standing in a place that manages to funnel 50 million people a year through a tiny sliver of land in one of the most crowded cities on Earth. That’s a feat of engineering worth a bit of respect.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your Terminal twice: Use the flight tracker on the official Adani Airports website 24 hours before departure to confirm if you are T1 or T2.
- Download DigiYatra: If you are traveling domestically, set up your profile with your Aadhaar card to skip the longest security lines.
- Book your cab in advance: Use the "Pre-paid" taxi counters inside the arrivals hall if you don't have a working SIM card for Uber or Ola. It's a fixed price and prevents "tourist pricing" scams.
- Buffer for traffic: If your flight is between 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM or 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, add an extra hour to your commute. The Western Express Highway does not care about your schedule.