IAF exercises: Flights to remain suspended at Mumbai and Juhu airports on Jan 12-14

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The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and Juhu Airport in Mumbai will be shut for operations from January 12 to January 14, amid IAF exercises. This closure is aimed to accommodate Indian Air Force (IAF) exercises over Marine Drive during these days.

Amid IAF exercises, both airports will be shut during the show from 12 noon to 1 PM during the three-day show. This will allow the IAF to use the air space for different defence aircraft.

"The Indian Air Force has planned an Aerial Display exercise at Mumbai. Due to this, Mumbai's CSMIA runways (RWY 09/27 & 14/32) will remain non-operational from 12:00 hrs. to 13:00 hrs. on 12th, 13th and 14th January, 2024. Passengers are urged to verify their scheduled flights with their respective airlines before heading to the airport during these days. Your cooperation is appreciated," the CSMIA said in a post on 'X'.

Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Thursday conducted preparatory drills in south Mumbai ahead of its three-day aerial display in the metropolis beginning on Friday.

Residents of south Mumbai areas like Girgaon got a glimpse of what is in the store during the next three days with jets conducting breathtaking aerobatic manoeuvres in the skies.

The main exercise from January 12 to 14, to be held between 12 pm and 1 pm, is part of an outreach programme aimed at creating awareness and fostering a deeper connection between the IAF and the local community, a defence official said.

The one-hour-long aerial display on each day can be viewed from the iconic Marine Drive, a 3km long sea-facing road that curves along the Arabian Sea coast.

The display and demonstrations by IAF personnel and aircraft will showcase the skills, capabilities, and professionalism of the force, a defence release said.

The air show will comprise aerobatic displays by the Suryakiran Aerobatic Display Team (SKAT) and the 'Sarang' Helicopter display team, it said.

The event would also feature a diverse range of aerial activities, including a flypast and low-level aerobatic display by the Su-30 MKI, freefall and parachute displays by the 'Akashganga' team and C-130 aircraft, said the release.

(With inputs from Agencies)