โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
120
minutes
International โ Domestic
120
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Mumbai Airport operates two terminals located 5-6 km apart: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 - a massive four-level X-shaped facility handling both international and domestic operations. Terminal 2's peacock-inspired design features Level 4 for international departures with 78 gates total, Level 3 for domestic departures with gates B and F, Level 2 for arrivals with 14 baggage carousels, and Level 1 for ground transport. Free 24/7 inter-terminal shuttle buses run every 10 minutes (pickup at T1 Arrival exit near Gate 2, T2 Level 1 at P4), taking 25-30 minutes including traffic, requiring 3-4 hour minimum connection time between terminals.
Terminal 2 showcases India's largest public art program 'Jaya He Museum' - a 3 km multi-storey Art Wall featuring over 7,000 artworks and artifacts from every Indian region displayed across four levels. Security at T2 entrance precedes the 192 check-in counters, with additional screening before 60 departure immigration counters (international) and separate domestic security on Level 3. The terminal utilizes 48 escalators, 75 elevators, and 42 travelators to move passengers efficiently through its X-shaped layout with Multiple Aircraft Ramp System (MARS) allowing flexible gate usage.
Premium amenities include multiple GVK Lounges across both first/business sections, Aviserv and Travel Club lounges, plus airline-specific facilities (Air India, Emirates, Etihad). The terminal houses extensive duty-free shopping, local and international dining options, spa services, prayer rooms, and an in-terminal hotel. Arrivals feature 76 immigration counters for international passengers, with 'Baggage Acclaimed' art installations on carousels showcasing Indian textiles. The modern facility, inspired by the white peacock symbolizing flight and beauty, connects India's financial capital with comprehensive domestic and international networks.
๐ Connection Tips
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) serves as the primary aviation gateway to Mumbai and a critical hub for both domestic and international travel in India. For travelers, 'connecting' at BOM requires a clear understanding of its two physically separate facilities: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). Terminal 1 primarily handles domestic flights by low-cost carriers, while Terminal 2 accommodates all international flights and domestic services by full-service airlines. If your connection involves switching between these terminals, you must utilize the complimentary 24/7 shuttle service, which typically takes 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic. Because the terminals are approximately 5 kilometers apart, it is highly recommended to allow at least 3 to 4 hours for any connection involving a terminal transfer.
For international-to-domestic transfers within Terminal 2, you must clear immigration, collect your baggage, and pass through customs before re-checking your luggage. Always ensure your boarding pass and carry-on baggage tags are stamped at security, as a missing stamp can lead to boarding delays. For those seeking extra assistance, the paid 'Pranaam' meet-and-greet service is available. Ground transportation is centralized outside each terminal.
Official prepaid taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola are readily available, while the Mumbai Metro provides a developing rail link. The terminal offers exceptional amenities, including the Niranta Transit Hotel and numerous premium lounges with Wi-Fi and authentic Indian cuisine. Ensure you have sufficient Indian Rupees (INR) in cash for small local expenses, although major airport services and retailers accept international credit cards. Always monitor the digital flight information displays, as gate assignments can change frequently in this high-volume hub.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Akola Airport (AKD) is a significant regional aviation facility located in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, India, serving the city of Akola and its surrounding industrial districts. Situated approximately seven kilometers from the city center, the airport is currently in a state of major transformation. In 2022, the Maharashtra government approved a substantial investment of over Rs 200 crore for a comprehensive expansion project aimed at modernizing the terminal infrastructure and extending the runway to 1,800 meters to accommodate larger commercial aircraft such as the ATR-72 series.
The terminal experience at Akola currently provides basic but essential amenities designed for regional travelers and general aviation pilots. Inside, passengers have access to a comfortable waiting area, clean washrooms, and a dedicated information desk. While the facility lacks the extensive commercial concourses of major Indian hubs, the ongoing upgrades include the construction of a modern passenger terminal with increased capacity and enhanced services. The layout is exceptionally user-friendly, with the check-in counters and baggage claim area located within a short walking distance of the main entrance, ensuring a rapid transition for all travelers navigating the central Maharashtra interior.
Operational activity at AKD is poised for a significant boost upon the completion of the runway extension and navigation upgrades in late 2026. The airport serves as a vital node for regional logistics and supports the area's thriving textile and pulses industries. The terminal area is equipped with updated air traffic control systems and a fire station, reflecting the professional standards maintained during its 2008 renovation. For visitors, the airport represents more than just a transit point; it is the starting point for exploring the historic sites of the Vidarbha region, including the nearby Narnala Fort and the scenic Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary, while providing a reliable bridge to the nation's broader transportation network.
๐ Connection Tips
Akola Airport (AKD) should currently be approached as a limited regional facility rather than a dependable place to build a normal commercial connection. Airports Authority of India maintains the airport, and Maharashtra has been advancing expansion work, but public scheduled options have been sparse to non-existent for long stretches. In practical trip-planning terms, that means travelers should build the main journey around a stronger transport hub such as Nagpur, Aurangabad, or a rail connection, and treat AKD as conditional rather than essential.
If you do have a flight movement linked to Akola, confirm it directly with the operator and do not rely on old timetable assumptions. A route that once existed may no longer be active, and the airport's value may lie more in training, positioning, or future development than in stable passenger service on the dates you need. That matters even more if you are trying to protect an onward international itinerary from Mumbai or another major city.
For ground access, Akola city itself is not far from the airport, so the terminal-to-town segment is simpler than the air-service question. The real planning issue is whether flying into Akola actually improves the trip compared with arriving by rail or by road from a larger airport. Business travelers should compare the full door-to-door timing, not just the flight time.
Akola Airport (AKD) is best approached with a sense of realism regarding its current operational status. Travelers should use it only when they have verified, up-to-date information on scheduled services or have a specific private aviation need. Otherwise, it is highly recommended to keep your connection plan anchored to the larger Maharashtra transport network, utilizing hubs like Nagpur or Aurangabad, and regarding Akola as the final local destination rather than the backbone of a complex itinerary.
โ Back to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport