BOM Airport Code: Which Airport Is BOM?

BOM is the IATA code for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, the long-established airport of Mumbai in India. If you see "BOM" on a booking, a boarding pass or a baggage tag, it points to this airport. The letters come from Bombay, the city's former name, which is why the code does not match the modern spelling of Mumbai.

The airport's full name honours Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha ruler. In everyday speech most people simply say "Mumbai airport", and you will also see the short form CSMIA on signs and in the operator's own material. Search engines and flight listings often shorten it further to "Chhatrapati Shivaji Intl".

So whether someone searches "BOM airport", "airport code BOM" or "BOM IATA code", the answer is the same place. It is run by Mumbai International Airport Limited, a company in the Adani airports group, and it handles both domestic flights across India and a large international network.

BOM airport country and flight codes

BOM is in India, in the state of Maharashtra. A quick way to avoid confusion: BOM is an airport code, not a country code, and it is not a flight number. Flight numbers are made of an airline code plus digits. The airport code only tells you where the flight starts or ends.

One more point is worth knowing. Mumbai now has a second airport, Navi Mumbai International Airport, which uses the separate code NMI. It sits across the harbour in Navi Mumbai. Before you book a cab, check whether your ticket says BOM or NMI, because the two airports are a long drive apart.

Where Is Mumbai BOM Airport Located?

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport lies in the western suburbs of Mumbai, spread across the Santacruz, Vile Parle East and Sahar areas close to Andheri East. It is well north of the old commercial heart of the city on the peninsula's southern tip.

By road, South Mumbai districts such as Colaba and the Fort area are roughly 20 to 30 km away. On a clear run that is about an hour by car. At busy times the same trip can take much longer, because Mumbai traffic is heavy for much of the day. Business districts closer to the airport, such as Bandra Kurla Complex, are a shorter ride.

The airport's location inside the city is a real advantage for travellers. Many hotels in Andheri, Juhu, Bandra and the business districts are within easy reach, and the metro now runs right into the terminals.

Mumbai Airport Terminals: T1 and T2

BOM has two passenger terminals, and knowing which one you need is the most useful thing to check before you travel.

Terminal 1 (Santacruz)

Terminal 1 handles domestic flights only. It is on the Santacruz side of the airfield and is closest to Vile Parle. Several Indian domestic airlines run their Mumbai operations from here.

Terminal 2 (Sahar)

Terminal 2 is the large main terminal on the Sahar side, near Andheri East. It handles all international flights and a share of domestic flights. Its tall, pillared departure hall is the part of the airport most visitors remember.

Which terminal is my airline in?

Airline terminal assignments at Mumbai do change from time to time, and some airlines split their flights between the two buildings. The safest habit is to read the terminal printed on your ticket or in the airline's app on the day before you fly. Never assume from a past trip.

Moving between T1 and T2

The terminals are several kilometres apart by road and are not connected on foot. A free shuttle bus links them for passengers with connecting flights, and the ride usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. If you are changing from a domestic to an international flight, leave plenty of time, as you may need to go through security again.

Facilities at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport

Terminal 2 has the wider range of facilities, as it serves long-haul travellers. You will find lounges on the international departures side, a broad choice of places to eat and a large retail area once you are through security.

For long layovers or late arrivals, the Niranta transit hotel is located inside Terminal 2. It lets you rest without leaving the terminal building.

Free Wi-Fi covers the terminals. Access is usually unlocked with a mobile number and a one-time code, so a phone that can receive text messages makes logging in much easier.

Frequent domestic flyers can use DigiYatra at Mumbai. This is India's face-recognition system that lets registered passengers move through entry and boarding gates without showing paper documents each time.

Airlines and Routes at BOM Airport

BOM is a major base for Indian carriers. Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air and SpiceJet all run large domestic schedules here that link Mumbai with major cities and smaller regional airports across India.

On the international side, Mumbai connects to the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia. For travellers in Southeast Asia, the most relevant links are with Singapore and Bangkok. Singapore Airlines and Air India both fly nonstop between Mumbai and Singapore, and there are frequent nonstop flights between Mumbai and Bangkok.

Many people also search for trips such as Mumbai to Penang, Mumbai to Siem Reap or even Mumbai to Montego Bay. Journeys like these usually mean a connection somewhere along the way. The easiest way to see your options is to enter your cities on Traveloka and compare the direct and connecting choices side by side.

Getting to and from Mumbai BOM Airport

Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line)

The underground Aqua Line has stations at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. It runs south through Bandra Kurla Complex and on through the city towards Colaba, so it avoids the worst of the road traffic. For travellers with light bags heading to central or southern districts, it is often the most predictable option.

Taxis and app-based cabs

Prepaid taxi counters operate at both terminals, so you can settle your destination before you set off. App-based cabs such as Uber and Ola also serve the airport, with pick-up from marked zones outside arrivals. Follow the signs rather than accepting offers from people approaching you inside the hall.

Suburban trains

Mumbai's suburban railway does not enter the terminals, but stations are close. Vile Parle (East) is the nearest for Terminal 1, and Andheri (East) is nearest for Terminal 2. From there a short taxi or rickshaw ride completes the trip. Suburban trains get extremely crowded at rush hour, so this suits travellers with little luggage.

BEST buses

City buses run by BEST connect the terminals with nearby railway stations and neighbourhoods. They are the most basic option and are best for short hops rather than a trip across the city with large suitcases.

Tips for Flying from Mumbai BOM Airport

Plan to reach the airport about two hours before a domestic flight and about three hours before an international one. Road traffic is the main variable, so build in extra time if you are travelling from South Mumbai or during the evening peak.

Only passengers can enter the terminal buildings in India. Keep your ticket or booking confirmation and a valid photo ID ready at the entrance, where security staff check them before you go in. International travellers need their passport at this first checkpoint.

Mornings and early evenings tend to bring the heaviest security queues. If you can choose, a midday departure is often calmer.

The monsoon season brings heavy rain to Mumbai, usually from June to September. During these months, roads can slow down sharply and flights can be affected by weather, so check your flight status before leaving for the airport.

Exploring Mumbai from BOM Airport

Mumbai is India's financial capital and a city of contrasts. Around the Gateway of India and Colaba you will find colonial-era buildings, harbour views and busy cafés. Bandra mixes seaside promenades with restaurants and boutiques, while Bandra Kurla Complex is the modern business district many visitors head to for meetings.

The city is also a natural starting point for the rest of India. With so many domestic flights leaving BOM every day, it is easy to pair a few days in Mumbai with a beach break, a heritage city or a trip into the hills.

Ready to plan your trip? Compare flights to and from BOM on Traveloka and set a Price Alert to track your route.