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Mumbai Airport by Kurt Mueller
6 September 2006
Arrived on EK from DXB. Heavy rainfall (monsoon season). Somewhat long
walk from our airbridge to the immigration area, but what used to be a
painful experience has now been turned into a well-organised and fairly
rapid procedure. I waited less than 2 minutes to be processed. Baggage
seemed to take unusually long to arrive, and many items arrived on the
conveyor thoroughly soaked (why this should be in the age of baggage
containers is beyond me). My own case damaged. The otherwise pleasantly
improved arrival experience was, however, marred by long queues of pax
at the only two X-ray machines through which ALL baggage had to be run
(what on earth for?). One cannot escape the notion that it's "jobs for
the boys" at airports such as Bombay.
Mumbai Airport by Lena Lobo
3 August 2006
BOM to LHR via BA last weekend. I noticed that as I had a Club ticket I
was treated as priority as I was met immediately by a BA assistant. This
allowed me to be driven speedily though the initial luggage x-ray and
then straight into BAs new glam Club desk. This was empty so was checked
in within a min. Then straight onto immigration - still with BA
assistant at hand - which again because of the speed of the process took
only minutes. Unfortunately I would have to say the First Class lounge
needs improvement but was sufficient for the stay. Then on to the gate
and speedily through. Although I noticed this time there was an
additional search for each person and their individual hand luggage just
at the point of boarding. But for me it wasnt a big deal as it was
handled pretty well. So all in all keep up the improvements!
Mumbai Airport by Peter Dowling
30 July 2006
Just transited BOM twice en route SIN-LHR-SIN in business class. Have
to agree that immigration has improved in leaps and bounds, only taking
a few minutes these days. The touts can be dealt with quite easily,
either ignore them or throw them a 1 USD bill if you think the service
provided was worth it. Landside, the Intl terminals are quite woeful,
apart from the Internet cafe, but airside, the business class lounges
are quite reasonable (in a retro sense) with a fair selection of food
and drink. All in all, an interesting experience if you can stay the
pace.
Mumbai Airport by Shiva Sawyer
24 July 2006
I've been flying back and fourth to India three or four times a year for
nearly 20 years, and am still astonished that this must be the only
international airport in the entire world without a single newstand (a
candy shop selling overpriced paperbacks doesn't cut it, I'm afraid).
Even Entebbe Airport in Kampala has more amenities than the Mumbai
airport. And if you ever wonder why there's nobody ever in the duty free
shops, its because the goodies inside cost 300% to 400% more than they
would on the street. What is so complicated about the concept that
sales volume is more than important than markup? On the plus side, the
fact there is a cybercafe (which even most US airports lack) and has
simplified my life enormously. All the staff there are very young and
enthusiastic and create a very pleasurable environment.
Mumbai Airport by Ashok Thomas
3 June 2006
Flew out of Bombay by EK en route DXB. The terminal has improved of late
especially the immigration areas - more counters and more organised. But
the airport still has a slightly jaded look to it, a lot of this can be
addressed if more attention is paid to the little details such as
cleaning the windows and maybe changing the dull looking marble-finish
decor and the lighting. Regular users of Bombay airport know how to
avoid the tip-seeking touts and officials looking for a handout.
Boarding was relatively painless though they don't really stick to any
particular order. One annoyance was that passengers were stopped at the
entrance to the jetway and asked for their passports for another check
just after having gone through one at the boarding gate just 15 metres
away. Otherwise my Bombay experience was better than in the past.
Mumbai Airport by Robin Correa
1 June 2006
Travelled to Mumbai on 26th April and dreading the usual problems at the
airport - pleasantly surprised by what I experienced. Immigration was a
breeze with over 20 functional counters and no queues. My baggage was
waiting by the carousel and the customs officer waved me past the green
channel without even putting my bags through the scanner. On return
there was a a queue for the baggage screening but it kept flowing. The
departure lounge was excellent and a far cry from what it used to be -
with a wide range of duty free goods and meal options. The recliner
chairs were an added bonus.
Mumbai Airport by Kamal Shethwala
24 May 2006
The airport is getting better every year. But, still there is a lot of
nuisance from corrupted staff - starting from toilet cleaners (asks for
£5), baggage handler touts (around £10) and up to custom officers (above
£20 for no reason). And not to forget those Traffic Police PANDUs at the
airport EXIT. My parents drive all the way from Gujarat to Mumbai
airport to receive me. And every time while going back to Gujarat, these
traffic police will stop us near airport car park and take away my Dad's
driving license without any reason. If he pays 200 Rupees, he gets his
licence back. Otherwise they will keep his license and charge him for
some silly reason and then my Dad has to appear in Mumbai traffic court
every week and wasting 2000 to 3000 rupees and valuable time. I feel
very bad by supporting corruption this way, but there is no easier
option.
Mumbai Airport by Matt Parkinson
18 May 2006
2nd visit to BOM. Immigration area has been tarted up, just watch out walking from the plane as the
place is a construction site and western standards of notification / hazard identification don't
appear. Outbound for Star Alliance Gold members, forget about the useless Oberoi lounge and go for the Lufty
lounge before immigration. Also, no need to admit to the baggage touts you are a business class passenger. They just want to
wheel your suitcase to the counter and charge for the privilege. Maybe slightly convenient 20 years
ago before suitcases got wheels.
Mumbai Airport by Abhinav Shrey
18 March 2006
Arrived at Mumbai International airport from Bahrain on 5th March '06
and left for Delhi after 2 hrs. The walk from the plane to the
immigration counter was long and deserted. Clearing immigration didn't
take long though. There were quite a few counters for it. Scene was
chaotic at the baggage retrieval. But customs was not a problem when I
cleared out of Green Channel. The bottom part of immigration form has to
be handed over to the policeman standing at the exit, so keep it safely.
A sign was prominently displayed "No more checks beyond this point". A
good thing to ward off touts. Had a connecting flight with Jet. Got my
e-ticket at the counter just outside and checked-in at the international
airport itself. There was no STD booth available (the one that was there
was closed). The staff of Jet are very well-mannered and friendly
though. One of them offered his mobile when he learnt that the STD booth
was closed. The coach offered by Jet was quite nice too for transfer to
Domestic Airport. At the domestic airport, there was not one good
restaurant. The one that was on first floor was meant only for Business
class passengers. So, had to contend with coffee from a counter on
ground floor. There was a long queque for security check. And I must
say, the security check was real proper. Best that I came across so far.
Was transferred to the plane by a bus. Lots of scope for improvement.
Mumbai Airport by N Lad
18 March 2006
British Airways to Mumbai. We were handed our immigration forms as we
disembarked the plane hence we filled out the forms whilst queuing to go
through immigration. Once we cleared that our luggage arrived promptly
as we were flying business class. Once we collected our luggage and
passed it through the x-ray machine we were asked what was in our
luggage, lap-tops, electrical goods etc? We said we have no lap-tops but
we did have cables for my husbands camcorder & digital camera. We were
pulled to one side, our passports taken from us and told to open the
suitcase. Once opened the airport official didn't even look inside he
merely asked my husband how much money he was going to give him!! We
were both shocked and angry, we asked him why he wanted money, he said
we had too much luggage, I argued this point and said both suitcases
were under weight (both suitcases were 25-26 kilos, 30 kilos is allowed
for business class). He then without any shame asked my husband for
£100!! At this point my temper was fuming, I asked him to direct me to
his manager/superior and a demanded to see a British Airways member of
staff to ask when he was demanding £100 from us. He so realised that we
were not going to back down and told us to go! Why are the airport
officials constantly allowed to get away with this behaviour? What a
welcome into India!
Mumbai Airport by Thomas Steinbrunner
21 February 2006
Flew from Mumbai's domestic Jet Airways terminal. A pleasant surprise. A
new and spacious check-in hall with lots of glass and plenty of space,
efficient and polite check-in staff (at least with Jet Airways) and
quick security check. The displays do show correct departure timings and
delays. They still have that nice restaurant on first floor with a view
over the tarmac. This terminal is much better than the shoddy and smelly
international terminal.
Mumbai Airport by Tim Salter
18 February 2006
Just arrived back from a BOM trip. Inbound the immigration was done
within 10 mins and baggage already on the carousels when I got through.
Be aware though that airport workers take the bags off the carousels
after one go-round and stack them on the floor. So if you can't see your
bag on the carousel look in one of these stacks. The decor is not too
good in the airport, very 1970's and way overdue for a refurb and paint
job. Agree with others on the mosquitos though, far too many buzzing
around in the building where the aircon also seems to only partly work.
Mumbai Airport by Gaurang Dalal
27 January 2006
Passed through the Terminal 2A of Mumbai airport this month. It is
reasonably clean and spacious and there are good number of loungers for
the departing passengers to sleep while they wait for their boarding.
But the whole terminal 2A/B/C needs to do something about the heavy
mosquito menace during the winter months - or else travellers will catch
malaria and give a bad reputation to the otherwise good terminal.
Toilets needs to be increased and more snack stalls included.
Mumbai Airport by Tony Virdee
20 January 2006
The airport is okay, however the customs officials are the most corrupt
that I have come across, as a business traveller I take a couple of
laptops with me on my training courses. The customs were attempting to
charge me a third of the price of an additional laptop I had brought
along with me, despite having the correct documentation. The were only
interested in accepting UK currency - £500. We went round and round
eventually I said to them keep the computer someone else will pick it
up. They then decided to decrease the value of the laptops and let me go
through. This was totally unnecessary.
Mumbai Airport by Ros Barrett
2 January 2006
The so-called 'lounge' at Mumbai 'international' airport is an utter
disgrace! Twice I've had to leave from there to fly back to the UK and
had to sit for hours in the humid heat in abject misery in the dingy,
dirty and soulless place with fellow passengers. There is nothing
available to drink or eat (unless you want to risk the water that comes
from the one tap in situ) or do; the WC for ladies is minute and
ghastly to say the least, and there are no facilities in there
whatsoever, not even a grubby newspaper, and the chairs are very
uncomfortable. Having spent an age checking in for a Virgin flight in
November (chaos) I was promised the use of their Lounge, (specifically
to avoid the above so much of an impression did it make on my last
trip!) only to then be herded into the same awful dungeon. I fly via
Delhi next week solely in order to avoid using Mumbai airport!
(Interestingly, the domestic 'business class' lounge at Mumbia is
fantastic, mostly for the locals I noted - quelle difference! Is this
then a case of the tourists being treated as 2nd class citizens? If so,
perhaps we should avoid visiting India in future, especially as tourists
pay far more for their tickets in the first place!). It is the worst
airport 'lounge' I have encountered to date.
Mumbai Airport by Stephen Hawker
11 December 2005
As a frequent traveller through Mumbai, and as a smoker, I am aware
that, contrary to popular belief, there are smoking areas in both the
Domestic and International airports in Mumbai. In the Domestic Airport,
it is in the bar in the upstairs restaurant. In the International
Airport it is in the bar outside The Oberoi Lounge adjacent to gates 1
to 4 in the Departure Lounge. Any disparaging comments anyone cares to
make about Mumbai's airports will be more than justified by the reality
! Just watch for the touts and ignore the beggars (it's all organised
crime, the kids see nothing of what you give them). If you do want to
help, give a donation to a recognised local charity, or put something in
the Charity Envelope on the plane, never give anything to an individual.
Mumbai Airport by
Venna Manricks
21 November 2005
I arrived Mumbai airport at approx 8pm and was cleared through
customs/immigration by 8.40pm - bought a taxi voucher and was directed
to a taxi right away. On my return, I had a 6 hour wait for my
connection to KL. Was impressed with the coach service from the
domestic to international airport, no worries getting through
immigration, screening etc - to end up in a recliner chair in the
departure lounge. Staff and officials polite and helpful.
Mumbai Airport by Kurt Müller
31 August 2005
I have just passed through Bombay’s renovated Terminal 1B (departure block). Whilst
the structure and lighting are a vast improvement over the previous offering, access
and basic layout suggest that the planners involved have never had any exposure to a
passenger-friendly airport in their career. There is one door (!) to enter the
departure hall from outside, where there should be at least three to four doors (one
for each airline, at least). Ticketing, instead of being placed next to or
opposite each airline’s check-in desks, is for all airlines in a small anteroom
between the outside door and yet another doorway leading into the check-in area.
Visitors cannot enter the check-in area with you (unlike other airports in India,
where at least they can purchase an entry ticket, or indeed airports throughout the
civilized world, where you can accompany passengers up to the security screening area
without being ripped off for the privilege). This means you cannot wrap up a business
day with your local contacts before departing. No shops apparent in either the check-
in area nor after passing security. With Bombay constantly professing to its
aspirations to becoming a “world-class city”, I hope that newly opened departure block
of Terminal 1B is not a reference point for things to come…..
Mumbai Airport by Lynne Reid
29 August 2005
We passed through Mumbai airport August 3rd and out again August 5th. Difficult to
find anything positive to say about it. Arrival is slow and difficult - you need to
fill in the 2 page immigration form, and remember that the last thing you need to do
after you've done the immigration bit and put it all away is hand over the tear off
slip on page 2 to the customs official. He doesn't read it so no need for accuracy.
You need to sign the form twice too, if you don't another delay. And this is
after you have obtained your visa before travelling. When you spill out of arrivals
if your hotel driver isnt there ready for you there will be others trying to get you
and, sadly, lots of beggar children. Very distressing. On departure things are easier
but there are no boards so you have to listen for your flight so you can get on the
bus to your plane. And if you have a cigarette lighter it will be consfiscated.
Matches OK though, there is a logic there, somewhere. No smoking in this
airport. Does not compare to Chennai or Delhi, vastly superior.
Mumbai Airport by David Sadowski
19 August 2005
Unorganized, dirty and uncomfortable are just a few adjectives to describe Mumbai Airport. I
just returned home from my first visit to India. My experiences with Indian airports and taxi
drivers were bad enough to make me consider burning my passport. If any Indian officials read
these emails I hope they take them seriously. I have long been an admirer of Indian history,
spirituality, etc. But I have no intention of returning.
Mumbai Airport by Richard Yates
2 August 2005
One interesting and useful thing to know is that for arriving passengers that have
to connect to a JetAirways flight there is a Jet airways bus service available.
JetAirways actually will check you in for the respective flight, give you a boarding pass and transport
you from the international to the domestic terminal using a route that is internal to the
airport. So there is no need to worry about getting outside taxis or broken down buses to make the
connection.
Mumbai Airport by Bob Davidson
1
August 2005
The most disorganised, badly managed airport I ever travelled to. I too
was stuck in the monsoon here. There were no facilities, no information
and just sheer chaos in the terminals. There was no disaster plan, and
no co-ordination. In the days following the monsoon that crippled the
airport, there was just no information on the status. As pointed out,
the website told you nothing - what a wasted resource. Telephone lines
were hopeless with conflicting information from whoever you spoke to.
Its not their fault the airport was flooded, but the chaos on a normal
day , became 10000 times worse, due to lack of organisation, a very bad
airport design, bad management, and Disastrous Information flows, all
made worse again by the fact there is no disaster plan, or, if
there is, then no-one knew what it was. The airport manager should be
fired immediately. But, in such a corrupt country, what can you
expect. As the first point of contact for arrivals in the IT and
financial capital of India, then the Airport is an extremely poos
ambassador, and does not inspire confidence
Mumbai Airport by Kurt Müller
28
July 2005
As I am writing this, air traffic at Bombay Airport has been suspended
for at least 24 hours due to waterlogging of the runways. However, their
web site seems to absolutely oblivious to this significant inconvenience
to passengers - not a single word about it. In fact, I had to ask my
wife who is currently in Bangkok to check with TG whether they would be
cancelling tonight's inbound flight (affirmative). Clearly, Bombay
Airport need to do more on their website than publish the number of
gates they have.
Mumbai Airport by Natasha Smith
19
July 2005
I travelled to Goa from Mumbai airport. It is a bit chaotic at first when you
approach the airport, then when you get inside you are unsure of where to go next.
They have so many beauracratic procedures that check-in is not straight forward, plus
you have to put your cases through the x-ray machine before you get to the check-in
desk. Food outlets in departures lounge was limited, as was any shopping. The
announcements at the departure area were poor and seating was limited also. Not the
best airport, but not the worst. The Indian Government do need to invest more funds
and expand this airport as it is the gateway to India and not a domestic airport.
The Indian Government may not have as much money as the UK government to play around
with, but with the amount of tourists and Indians using this airport, they have enough
money to invest and make it a flagship airport.
Mumbai Airport by Nick Duncan-Brown
8
May 2005
I arrived at Bombay from London via Muscat on Gulf Air at mid-day and my arrival was nothing like i
had anticipated after reading comments on this website. Okay, the arrivals area was clean and tidy
but old and well used. The immigration was a breeze and my luggage popped up within a minute or two.
Exit signs could be clearer but no real problem. My transit back through Sahar was to Muscat and
this was the first flight out of T1 at 1.00 PM. Check in was as easy as any international airport
and the departure waiting area was clean and tidy. The bed / chairs were clean and comfortable. The
only minor irritation was that the flight indicator board did not show which gate was for the flight
to Muscat. 45 mins before take off one of the luggage handlers went around calling people for the
Gulf Air flight but did not say "Muscat" which was a bit of a worry. Security upon entry to the
Departure lounge was tight and reassuringly thorough, plenty of police to inspect boarding passes.
A plus point was that there was actually a toilet in the Departure lounge which is more than we get
at Heathrow or elsewhere. The duty free shops were somewhat surprising, prices were in USD and the conversion to Rupees was
not the standard rate and more of guess by the Cashier. I did not have the R 700 for a carton of
cigarettes but the Cashier accepted R 660 and yes you have guessed it no receipt and not all the
money went in the till. So, as a conclusion Sahar was a pleasure to use and perhaps the comments written by other people
frankly expected to much.
Mumbai Airport by Makin Prabhu
12
April 2005
I travel through Mumbai airport regularly and have done so for the past 30 years. I have seen
changes for the better. Many of the comments I see from Indian travellers, while valid and
observant, are making comparisons with airports in first world countries. If the observation is made
bearing in mind that India is a poor country and airport facilities and infrastructure reflect
this. Indian tavellers who have lived abroad have a very rosy picture of what life is like in the
home country and make unwarranted comparisons with the
western world. Non Indian travellers do not make this presumption and are expectant of a airport
that will lack some facilities hence you will see comments from non indian travellers reflect this
outlook. I have travelled through airports in African countries and Mumbai airport is a darn sight
better. The reclining chairs in the departure area are comfortable and clean. Which airport
allows free telephone calls. Mumbai airport does in the departure area (after customs and
immigration). The immigration booths are fully manned these days. Yes the officers are unsmiling and
officious - but they do not have much to smile about.
Mumbai Airport by Neville Fleming
26
March 2005
I departed from Bombay Airport on March 2nd 05 for the first time (normally using Delhi Airport)
and after reading some of the comments I was fearing the worst! But I was not to be disappointed as
immigration, security and check in went smoothly and fast. Everyone was polite. Yes as expected the
duty free and catering was disappointing but better than Indira Gandhi! So fear not it is not as bad
as I read about.
Mumbai Airport by W Steffens
21
March 2005
Both arrival and departure at 2A were far better than indicated by the comments before. Arriving at
11.35 am was a breeze - out of the airport in 10 minutes with hand luggage only. All immigration
booths were staffed and working efficiently, nobody tried to get some of my money, and I didn't even
see anyone standing around doing nothing. Actually the airport was rather clean in comparison to
domestic airports elsewhere in India. Okay, it's not new and could need some renovation, but that's
India and not Dubai. Departure (4.15. am) also went perfectly alright - no crowds in front of the entrances, luggage
screen very quick, check-in even quicker, immigration and security very efficient. The departure
part was cleaner than the arrival (or was that relief from Mumbai city ?), there are plenty of
chairs with head rests, some really comfortable. The duty free is clearly not the world's best, but
most things you'd look for actually are there (hm, just one brand of Single Malt...). The Clipper
Lounge was okay, not more, but neither less.
Mumbai Airport by M Mulla
7
February 2005
Having travelled to India after a long time. Nothing has changed at Mumbai airport. I had the same
experience as Tarun Patel. Upon arrival we were given the landing cards and alas did not have a
seated area where one could fill them in. It was a case of use whatever comes to hand. After queing
at the immigration desk (only a handful were being operated), in fact in one of the booths one
officer was soundly asleep as I walked by. What a disgraceful impression of our country to give to
foreigners !. Trying to find a trolley is an absolute nightmare. After collecting our luggage and
fortunately I had the foresight of taking wheeled suitcases, we were queuing up to have our luggage
scanned. However we were let through without this check once the officer there was told we flew in
from Manchester (England). He was obviously targetting people coming in from Dubai bringing in
electronic goods. We were then met by a chap who hardly spoke any english wanting the tear-off slip
at the bottom of the landing cards. After that we exited the airport without any hassle. Coming back
was slightly smoother. As we were travelling from Surat the driver knew not to park in the
departures car park and parked in the arrivals car park. Then when actually going into the airport
we were met by a couple of arrogant officials who would not even let us say proper goodbyes to our
family and insisted we clear the doorway. After that check-in was relatively smooth and trouble
free. The pre-boarding seating area was quite comfortable with chairs where you could lie down and
have some sleep. Duty free is nothing to write home about.
Mumbai Airport by Tarun Patel
30
January 2005
If ever there is a candidate for World's Worst Airport it has to be Mumbai's. What worse impression
can a foreign traveller get of the world's largest democracy than arriving through it's shabbiest
gateway? The airport looks like something out of a 1970s disaster movie and is surrounded by vote-
catching shanty towns ensuring a ready supply of beggars on your way out. On arrival we didn't know
where to go as there were few signs and lots of walkways. At one stage we crossed paths with people
on their way to boarding a jet and could quite easily have slipped onto the runway through the
nearby exit. Even the Hindi-reading Indian girl who sat next to us had difficulty and was clearly
embarrassed. The staff were totally unhelpful. After collecting our luggage we joined a huge queue for what looked like a luggage scanner. Why we needed our luggage
scanned on exit is anyone's guess. After queuing here for quite a while I thought it was pointless
and walked straight pass. No one stopped us. A chap (in a uniform) did stop me at the exit gate
because I didn't hand in the little tear-off slip on the bottom of my landing card. What he was
going to do with that info I have no idea but it was obviously important to him. Indian bureacracy
is legendary and still amazes me. On our return the journey through the airport was a bit smoother
and seating area after immigration was quite clean. There was one small hitch regarding customs
wanting to see what was in my case despite the security section having already sealed it! A word of
warning to NRIs (Non-Resident Indians). If you arrive at the airport in a non-Maharashtra registered
vehicle your driver will probably know not to park in the Departures car park. This is because the
local Maharashtra police extort bribes of several hundred Rupees and can cause hassle, even
impounding your vehicle. As an NRI with parents of Gujarati origin the sooner they build an
international airport at Surat the better.
Mumbai Airport by Jasumati Mistry
8
January 2005
I agree with all the negative comments regarding Mumbai airport. It’s the worst airport I have
ever been to. I was expecting a few difficulties there after reading and hearing about what goes on.
I flew from London Heathrow to Mumbai and the arrival point at immigration was a shambles. Indian
authorities had failed to provide BA staff with foreign national immigration forms on the plane.
Therefore, there was a non-systematic queue at the desk to collect the forms. Also they have no
designated area with sit down facilities to fill out the forms. Passengers were using the dirty
walls to lean against or had to sit on the floor to fill them out. Once pass immigration the baggage
reclaim was amazingly quick. Then one member of staff kindly pointed towards the exit doors, even
though we knew where we were going. Of course he then insisted that we pay him in £s for his
services. The return journey started off well, then later became a nightmare. Don’t agree
with people having to pay to go into the airport, and have to stand by the doors to see off their
family and friends. Baggage x-ray and check in was quick without any problems, probably due to us
paying a member of staff a few rupees. Lounge area rubbish, and very long queue to pass
immigration. Duty free very disappointing and security check system diabolical. Hand luggage bags
were being forced through the scanners, and dumped on the floor by staff with a bad attitude. No
queuing system to go through the gate. Followed by yet another security check before boarding the
plane, where baggage is opened for a thorough search.
Bombay Airport review by M Vadgama
29
December 2004
Flew back from Mumbai to London last night. Amazingly, we had to queue for less than 5 minutes
before being checked in! But thereafter, it was the same disgraceful story as those already
mentioned. Filthy toilets, poor catering, two small duty free 'shops' that looked and smelled more
like charity shops and staff that were either completely uninterested and/or
tried to sell us products we didn't want at a higher price. After that, lying on seats that looked as if they had
never been washed and dozens of mosquitos. And wherever you looked, dishevelled and unhelpful
security and airport staff. My own suggestion - raze the whole place and start from fresh.
Bombay Airport review by Kurt Müller
20
December 2004
A word of warning to fellow passengers about overcharging at the Clipper Lounge located at the Santa
Cruz domestic terminal used by private Indian airlines, such as Jet Airways. This lounge is a dual-
use facility operated by Oberoi Airport Services, catering both to Jet Airways’ Club Premiere
members and to walk-in customers who pay. As a Jet Airways CIP, you can only obtain one free beer,
regardless of status or even length of flight delay. Having – as a result of a prolonged delay -
purchased an extra small bottle of beer (stubby), I was presented with a bill for Rs125. Upon closer
inspection this bill turned out to be for a pint of beer, and when I pointed this out to the
waitress, she insisted that the 330 ml bottle I had just consumed was indeed a pint! My attempts to
speak with a manager about this were fruitless, so I have to deduct that this is a little scam being
operated with full knowledge of the management.
Bombay Airport review by Andrew Wilkinson
3
December 2004
I have had the dubious privilege of using Bombay International Airport several times over the last
14 years and I have to agree with most of the negative comments posted on this forum. Yet I would
agree with Jordan Dias comment - Bombay has improved since my first visit in 1990. Yes, it is still
very basic, check in can be shambolic at times, and the lounges are something of a joke. However,
arrival fomalities were dealt with surprising quickly, as was baggage reclaim. Indeed my Lufthansa
flight arrived at 1.35am and I had reached my hotel in Colaba before 3.00am. Bombay is still a long
way behind most international airports - but it has improved.
Bombay Airport review by Kurt Müller
5
November 2004
Arriving at 0815 hrs on EK504, I was one of the first to get off the flight. The "visitors" section
of the immigration area was teeming with passengers that had just come off a Saudi Arabian 747, and
I was mentally getting ready for an awfully long wait. However, within minutes, immigration staff
had reorganised the queue system and with my baggage already on the carousel after passport control,
I found myself in my hotel room at Juhu Beach at 9.20 a.m. One hour from plane to hotel room is
exceptional by any standards!
Bombay Airport review by J George
1
August 2004
I used Mumbai's domestic airport when i flew from BLR-BOM. This airport is far more cleaner and
advanced than the arrival terminal of the international airport. Modern jetways are used unlike
parking on a remote slot somewhere on the tarmac. The airport is well decorated with indian
handicrafts and the staff will help you find your way if you have trouble navigating (like i did).
The bathrooms are good and cleaner than the international terminal. Security here is
particularly tight also a difference from the international terminal. The baggage claim area is in a
huge hall with many carousels allowing for a high volume of flights. Here also the trollies are free
and they have the special break system similar to the ones in LHR and elsewhere. Baggage arrives
fast and the taxi problem here is not as bad if you get a prepaid taxi. Here is a tip to use for
travellers to both the international and domestic airports. When you get a prepaid taxi only allow
the driver of the taxi to help you put your luggage in the truck or on the roof of the taxi. Do not
allow other people to help bcause they just will ask for money for their "services." Only allowing
the driver will save you some money in tips. And usually the others who barge in and start to help
the driver wont leave you alone until you pay them a sufficient amount. So beware of those people.
Bombay Airport review by Jordan Dias
28
July 2004
Mumbai Airport has, for all its faults, got an awful lot better in the last 13 years since my first
visit there. Then it was a complete slum and the immigration queues for non-residents were a
nightmare. The luggage took forever to come out and the customs check was a hellish-experience.
Now, the place is cleaner, friendlier and even has reclining seats installed for the post-midnight
departures (which make the place that much more hospitable). Even immigration has improved on
arrival. The only downside is trying to get into the terminal, which takes the patience of a saint
and occasionally the strength of the Hulk!
Bombay Airport review by Guntram Wischnewski
13
May 2004
Checking in at Bombay Airport is, after you finally reach the place after one of these horrible
taxi-rides in the middle of the night (drunken or otherwise intoxicated drivers) -
hell compared to
any other airport in the world I have used before. It seems to me, that only if you appear loud,
rude and aggressive yourself, it will make things happen. But anyway, I will give only one SERIOUS
advice: never ever buy or drink "mineral water" in the restaurant which is serving economy class
passengers. We have been watching young Indian kitchen-helpers refilling bottles with what other
customers had left on the table. Not worth to mention that everything is overpriced - but it will
make you sick also! So be sure to bring your own water, bring your own food, and a little bottle of
perfume!! It will be a treat to help you bear the smell all over inside the building.
The better choice for arrival and departure in India is Delhi, in my opinion, but it seems, that
slow and unfriendly staff as well as hundreds of people that want to grab your money (e.g. the
security check asked for a dollar-tip) is a common feature at airports in India.
Bombay Airport review by Ganesh Natrajan
27
March 2004
Transited through Mumbai's international airport on my arrival from FRA
by LH. The terminal looks rundown and seems to have been shoddily built.
The Immigration was rather quick and so was the baggage clearance. Most
of the staff members spoke good english and were helpful. The worst part
is the AAI bus service that connects the International terminal to the
domestic one. The attendants here seem to be after your purse at all
times, so beware. They even seem to want tips in dollars and shamelessly
ask you for it. The bus itself seemed to have been lifted from a
junkyard and was very uncomfortable, not to speak of Bollywood music
being played in full volume at 4.00 AM! I have heard that this service
was being run in the past by Jet Airways and Indian Airlines and it used
to be much better then. Maybe they should bring that back.
Bombay Airport review by Michel Polizzi
22 November 2003
My first visit to Sahar airport was august 1997. Arriving Gulf Air from Doha, I was surprised by the
doom-and-gloom lighting, provided by many fluorescent tubes running at limited power! Horrible. The
whole structure was seedy and aged-looking, yet not especially dirty.
Different story coming in Air France from Paris, february 2003. Clean and well-lit, modern
facilities (seats in waiting lounges) looking just like any average airport anywhere.
Same impression flying out to Paris a month later via Air India.
In all cases, I have no memories of bad service from airport personnel. Not very personable maybe,
but hey! who goes to an airport to make friends?! ;-) I thought most people working there were
sufficiently efficient. Nothing broke down, it all went smoothly. Probably my lucky day!
I don't remember using the toilets, even though I must have, so they must not have been particularly
horrid!
Outrageous prices at the food and drink shops, thought!!!! More expensive sodas than in Europe!
Bombay Airport review by Jay Sitlani
2 June 2003
Although Terminal 2A of Bombay's Sahar International Airport is a nasty disgusting place, the Air
India Terminal 2C is actually quite civilized - in comparison. However, it is only used by Air
India and its code share airlines like Singapore Airlines and Air France. Inevitably, the lines are
shorter because of less passenger traffic (although the Govt of India security and immigration
personnel are just as slow as ever, with numerous uniformed individuals standing around with no
perceptible purpose - it is no wonder that these people oppose professional management of the
Airport because they would be forced to do some work). The Air India lounge is quite good, but of
course limited to First or Business Class passengers. Also, unlike the regular terminal I have used
on prior flights to India, this one appeared to have functional restaurants and acceptable duty free
shops. Even the arrivals area is a big relief from the chaos and mayhem of Terminal 2A. The
immigration officer even mumbled "welcome to Mumbai" through his SARS mask. This was the first time
anyone at Bombay Airport said anything even remotely nice to me, so I felt like I had just won the
lottery. In any case, this terminal ain't Singapore, but its a significant improvement from the
slummy international terminal used by all the other carriers. For this reason alone, I intend to
use only those carriers that use this terminal on future flights to Bombay.
Bombay Airport review by T Barton
21 May 2003
This place is just plain disgusting. I'm amazed anyone would want to fly in
India at all after seeing this airport. I've been to the airports in New Dehli, Chennai, and
Bangalore, and they each offer the same "is this an airport or a bombed out slum?" with the 3-5
security checks by perhaps the laziest personnel I've ever seen. But Bombay (Mumbai) takes the
cake. Long lines, loud, dirty, and lazy staff make this the worse airport I've ever been to.
Bombay Airport review by Kurt Mueller
6 May 2003
I note with interest the comments by Mr Brian Harding on the immigration queues at Bombay
Int'l Airport. It seems nothing has changed in the attitude of the Indian civil service (an oxymoron
in itself). On my first visit to India in 1989 (when what is now the domestic terminal was the
combined domestic / international facility) they actually closed down some immigration counters in the
face of some 200 passengers still waiting to be processed. When I suggested they should instead open
more desks, I was informed that "we are short of hands" - and that in a country of 1 billion people,
many of whom are desperate for a job.
Bombay Airport review by Brian Harding
5 May 2003
Have just returned from Bombay Airport to LHR. Incredible "snake" of people at the immigration
queue - 3 staff on
duty - flight left 1.25 hrs late. No improvement there then. My note is to highlight the outrageous con being perpetrated in the
Cafeteria in the price being charged for beer. We accept airport prices will be on the expensive side but
beware, the con being applied
here is quite intentional.
Bombay Airport review by Maureen Attig
4 May 2003
After experiencing Chennai/Madras Airport facilities (or, should I say, lack of facilities) I didn't
believe there could be a worse airport in the world. After reading the passenger comments of Mumbai
Airport here though, I know I am not in for a treat when I visit India later this year. In Chennai
passengers had to stand outside in the monsoon rains at 3am and were not allowed into the terminal
even for a visit to the loo until half an hour before the flight was due to leave. Consequently
there were then three flights worth of International passengers huddling together outside the
Airport and all flights had to be delayed because no one was checked in. Does anyone have any pics
of inside Mumbai Airport? The official Sahar International Airport Site is less than encouraging.
Bombay Airport review by Martin Graney
11 March 2003
Bombay is a convenient airport to fly to from Europe with many connections. But as for ambience,
Public Convenience is the byword, with an "interesting" urinal smell as soon as you disembark your flight. Not something you want
after 10 hours. Transferring to an internal flight means waiting for an indeterminate
amount of time for a bus to
the other terminal. And then passing through 3 - yes 3, security checks and bag searches. [They take
the threat of terrorism seriously here!] If you intend to connect make sure you have "at least" 4 hours between flights.
The ground staff are actually quite helpful, but unfortunately none seemed to agree on the
appropriate procedures and we had to circle the baggage claim section twice before going on to the
internal terminal.
Bombay Airport review by Robert Thomas
19 February 2003
After reading comments on here re Bombay airport we arrived SQ from Manchester expecting the worst.
We got off the plane, collected baggage and got through customs and immigration with minimum fuss.
The only delay being the money changer. Bombay domestic pretty much more of the same.
Both airports were much better and cleaner than we had been led to believe.
Although I consider myself an experienced traveler taking about 30 flights a year I am still not
perfect. Our Jet Airways flight was uneventful until I realised some eight hours later that I had
somehow lost our SQ tickets to Manchester. I had to but two new tickets ( costing four times as much as our originals) from the airport, not a
good way to finish a holiday. Whilst in the departure lounge the two SQ employees came dashing to me saying Jet had found my
original tickets and they were on their way with them. They took me back through security and
refunded my card, saving me almost two thousand pounds. Their service and effort was a credit to
their company. Bombay airport was not what we had been led to expect and I suspect we may have been lucky, our
flight to Manchester was delayed by almost an hour. The passengers from Singapore were made to get
off the plane. It took so long for them to go through the checks to get into the transit lounge
that the flight was called well before the queue finished. This resulted in the passengers then
going straight to the queue to get back on the plane with all the checks and label stamping that this
entails, a complete farce. No complaints from me re the airport, but I would not use Singapore Airline as my carrier to Asia if
it transited through Bombay airport.
Bombay Airport review by Pratic Patel
1 December 2002
I have visited Mumbai Airport three times this year on business travel. The Airport makes me feel
ashamed of my Indian Roots. 40 minute queue for baggage screening, 30 minutes wait for check-in
(more if you are late arrival), 1 hr queue for immigration queue. Please allow 4 hrs prior to
departure time, and be prepared. Make sure you have a bottle of water, go to bathroom before
arriving at the airport, make sure you are healthy. Security is next to nothing.
What I found amazing is that there are 100's of airport employees just walking around, starring at
you and seems enjoying every moment of your misery. If these guys did just 1 thing in 1 hr, I think
this airport will actually work! The baggage belts breakdown every 10 minutes or less. The airport is
the dirtiest of all airports I have ever visited, and I have been many places including four
airports in Africa.
There are plans to privatise the airports in India. I am afraid this will not happen quickly. The
corrupt officers there will not let this happen without a fight. They will loose thousands of
Rupees a
day in harassing people of Indian origin. But I do hope privatisation
happens, as in India all private enterprise projects appear to be working with remarkable
efficiency.
Bombay Airport review by Sean Jackson
31 October 2002
Mumbai Airport is shocking, however if you choose to fly with an airline that is uses the Air India
terminal such as SQ TG or MH it is slightly better. If you require to transit to a Domestic flight
DO NOT fly via Mumbai. Several times I have missed connecting flights (normally give myself a min
of 3 hours between flights) due to long immigration lines (1 hour is my record) and bad traffic
between the terminals (21/2 hours is my current record).
Bombay Airport review by Simon Cheung
31 October 2002
My opinion is pretty much in line with everyone else's. This airport is abysmal. It is a good
thing only passengers are allowed to enter the terminal as Indian travellers especially seem to
bring an entire entourage with them. I was on standby in J class for a BA flight to LHR. The
terminal was at best a cowshed and with only 3 agents checking-in 250+ passengers, I couldn't see
how they'd process everyone before the gate closed. In the event, the flight left an hour late. I
was pretty annoyed that BA just put all standby passengers to one side without checking their
booking class. When the agent announced that standbys were not being accepted I asked had to almost
plead for a Club World seat. Truly the worst airport in Asia.
Bombay Airport review by Manohar Subramaniam
12 October 2002
If there is an award for the world's worst international airport, then Bombay airport will take the
gold with consistent ease, year after year.
Arriving into Bombay for that much anticipated holiday in India, it is a depressing welcome. From
the unending queues at the immigration and the customs counters, to the rude, corrupt customs and
police officers and their touts, one is sure that these things are as eternal as India itself.
What more can one say about the stink and general shabbiness of India's premier airport.
Bombay Airport review by Luigi Vallero
21 August 2002
Worst international terminal for non-resident airlines ever visited. On arrival you have to go
through extremely lengthy control processes in a dirty non air-conditioned area. On departure check-
in queue was dreadful and staff attitude, even by a top notch airline, was scarce, probably due to
the bad working conditions. Domestic Terminal is slightly better, but definitely a long way from
what you would expect from a city like Mumbai.
Bombay Airport review by S Raghunath
13 August 2002
This is a terrible airport. The terminal is dirty, the toilets filthy, the facilities terrible and
they switch the air-conditioning off with the kind of weather we have in India. I have heard that
the Air India terminal is better but this has to be one of the worst terminals in the world
Bombay Airport review by Jay Sitlani
09 August 2002
I agree with the previous posting. Bombay Airport is a dump. The Government of
India is in charge of this so-called international dump. Apparently
the terminal that is only used for Air India's operations is quite good, but if you are flying any
other international carrier (a good possibility since Air India don't go very many places) you are
stuck with a hot smelly terminal, dirty toilets, no edible food or water, slow airport
immigration and customs staff (who will stamp your passport at least 8 times before you board your
plane for no rhyme or reason before you dash across broken escalators to make your flight), and
generally rude check-in staff. I have seen lousy attitudes at all airline counters. I guess
working at Bombay airport makes one crabby too. The only saving grace is that you eventually board
your flight and get out of there !!
Bombay Airport review by R Asanoah
24 July 2002
Bombay
Airport is one of the worst airports in the world, if not the worst.
Surrounded on all sides by slums, inside the airport the airline lounges
are a joke, the toilets are filthy and often not working. The selection
of food outlets is very limited, and just 1 bureau de change in
departures. Only 3-4 duty free shops. A severe lack of trolleys, and
airport staff that often cannot speak even basic English
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