By Samannay Biswas
Copyright timesnownews
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai has reaffirmed its status as India’s premier global aviation hub, welcoming more than 5 million international passengers between January and August 2025. This marks a steady rise from 4.8 million arrivals in the same period last year (2024) and 4.1 million in 2023, reflecting not only strong post-pandemic recovery but also the airport’s increasing role as a major international gateway. Over the last three years, international arrivals at CSMIA have recorded an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21%, underlining Mumbai’s growing prominence on the global travel map. Strong connectivity across 55 global destinations With direct flights to 55 international destinations, CSMIA is now one of the most well-connected airports in the region. UAE continues to be the largest source market, contributing nearly 1.5 million international arrivals between January and August 2025.England (0.38 million) and Thailand (0.32 million) followed, reflecting strong traffic on both business and leisure routes. New international routes boosting growth To further strengthen its global reach, the airport has added seven new international routes between April 2024 and 2025. These include connections to: Al-Fujairah (UAE)Tashkent (Uzbekistan)Krabi (Thailand)Almaty (Kazakhstan)Amman (Jordan)Manchester (UK)Tbilisi (Georgia) This expansion has opened up new corridors for trade, tourism, and diaspora travel, positioning Mumbai as an increasingly vital node in global aviation. Emerging destinations gaining traction In addition to traditional strongholds like Dubai and London, several emerging destinations are seeing significant traction in 2025: Colombo: 0.17 million arrivalsKuwait: 0.16 million arrivalsDammam: 0.16 million arrivals These figures point to shifting travel preferences, with passengers exploring new business and leisure markets through Mumbai. Record-breaking growth in 2025 January 2025 stood out as a milestone month, with 0.69 million international arrivals, representing a staggering 415% increase compared to January 2022, when post-COVID recovery was just beginning.Between August 2024 and August 2025, CSMIA handled 8.24 million international arrivals, further cementing its position as India’s busiest international gateway. Beyond flight connectivity, the airport has sought to create a uniquely “Mumbai experience” for every traveler. From its hospitality services to cultural showcases, CSMIA blends global standards with the city’s local charm, heritage, and warmth. On the occasion of World Tourism Day, the airport highlighted how it aims to ensure that every passenger’s journey begins with a taste of Mumbai’s vibrant spirit, reinforcing the city’s role as both a global hub and a cultural gateway to India.
