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Flight Operations Halted at Mumbai Airport Amid India-Pakistan Tensions; Routine Maintenance, Says MIAL
Flight operations out of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) were suspended for six hours on May 8th from 11 AM to 5 PM due to routine annual pre-monsoon repair and maintenance procedures.
The airport operator, Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), in a statement, said that operations on both primary and secondary runways — 09/27 and 14/32 — remained temporarily closed for all landings and take-offs due to pre-monsoon runway maintenance.
However, the move has nothing to do with the recent heightened tensions between India and Pakistan and the missile strikes by India under Operation Sindoor. MIAL stated that a mandatory NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), which must precede any such closure, was issued six months ago to notify all stakeholders in advance.
Accordingly, several airlines have already issued advisories to passengers and asked them to reschedule their flight plans.
SpiceJet, in a statement on its X handle, has asked fliers to alter their travel plans due to the temporary closure of landing and flying operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Similar notifications have also been issued by other airlines like Akasa Air.
For the unversed, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and handles almost 900 flights daily. The airport is spread across 1,033 acres and boasts an extensive network of runways, taxiways, and aprons.
The airport is closed for annual pre-monsoon maintenance, and a thorough inspection of the micro and macro structures of the runway surfaces is conducted by specialized engineering and airside teams to detect any discrepancy in the composition of the runways due to gradual wear and tear from daily operations.
A spokesperson of the Mumbai International Airport Limited stated,
“This annual pre-monsoon maintenance is crucial for preserving the health and longevity of CSMIA’s expansive airside infrastructure, covering 1,033 acres. Specialists will inspect runway surfaces for wear and tear, addressing preventive measures for water logging to ensure safe landings and take-offs during the monsoon season. CSMIA also leverages advanced technology to monitor the entire maintenance process, ensuring timely execution within the designated six-hour window.”
It will be the third consecutive flight disruption, since earlier on Wednesday, CSMIA had issued an advisory that flight operations would be affected due to the closure of certain airports in North India. On Tuesday, flight operations were affected due to thunderstorms and rain.
Also Read: BEST Partners with Google Maps to Launch Real-Time Bus Tracking for Over 2,700 Buses in Mumbai
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India Seizes 3 US-Sanctioned Oil Tankers Near Mumbai Over Suspected Iran-Linked Transfers
India has reportedly seized three US-sanctioned oil tankers — Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star and Al Jafzia — off the Mumbai coast after detecting suspicious ship-to-ship transfers within its EEZ. The move comes amid a wider crackdown on illegal maritime oil trade and sanctions evasion linked to Iran.
According to sources familiar with the matter, India has seized three oil tankers: Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star and Al Jafzia.
These were sanctioned by the US and suspected of having links to Iran.
This incident comes amid a major crackdown on illegal maritime oil trade.
Interceptions off the Mumbai Coast
Indian authorities reportedly intercepted three vessels in February 2026, approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai after detecting suspicious ship-to-ship transfer activity within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
These operations are believed to have been used to conceal the origin of the oil cargo and evade coastal law enforcement.
It’s worth noting that security sources told Reuters that the tankers frequently changed their identities to avoid detection.
This tactic is often employed by ships seeking to evade sanctions. It’s reported that these ships are owned by foreign entities making surveillance difficult.
International Sanctions and Oil Smuggling Concerns
Surprisingly last year, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) banned ships named Global Peace, Chill 1, and Glory Star 1.
These ships reportedly have the same IMO numbers as the ships now seized by India. Shipping data shows that the Al Jafzia transported Iranian fuel oil to Djibouti in 2025.
The Stellar Ruby flew an Iranian flag. However the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) denies any connection between the tankers, their cargo and its operations.
According to shipping intelligence, the Asphalt Star was mostly active in routes around China, revealing global movement patterns of such vessels.
Surveillance Efforts Stepped Up
In response to these incidents the Indian Coast Guard has significantly increased its maritime surveillance.
Approximately 55 ships and 10-12 aircraft have been deployed to monitor activities in Indian waters and prevent future illegal activities.
Officials say this move demonstrates India’s determination to keep its waters free from illegal oil trade and unauthorized ship-to-ship transfers. This could undermine international sanctions regimes and complicate enforcement efforts.
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Mumbai Silver Rates Update February 17, 2026
Silver Rates in Mumbai Today
Silver price for 10 grams in Mumbai is Rs 2,679. For 100 grams, it is Rs 26,790. If you want 1 kg of silver, the rate is Rs 2,67,900.
Silver is more affordable than gold and many people in Mumbai buy it for small savings, gifts, or household use. People often buy silver coins or small bars during festivals like Diwali and Akshaya Tritiya. Silver is also used in jewellery, but not as much as gold. Some families buy silver utensils for special occasions.
Rates change every day. Bank rates, shop rates, and online rates may not always match. Check with your local jeweller before buying. In Mumbai, silver usually costs a bit more than in smaller towns, mostly because of higher taxes and making charges. Transport and demand also play a small part.
There is no GST on old silver you sell, but new silver jewellery has 3% GST. If you buy silver in a shop, ask for the receipt. It helps if you want to sell it later.
Don’t expect to make quick profit from silver. Prices move slowly and sometimes even go down for weeks. Silver is good for long-term savings, not for daily trading. If you buy big amounts, store them safely. Silver can get black stains if not kept in dry place.
Most people in Mumbai still buy silver the traditional way—from stores or trusted jewellers. Some try online, but not everyone is comfortable. Always check the current rate before you buy, as it keeps changing.
That’s the simple truth about silver rates in Mumbai today.
Latest News
Mumbai Gold Rates Update February 17, 2026
Gold rates in Mumbai today are: Gold 24k: Rs 1,56,430 for 10 grams. Gold 22k: Rs1,43,390 for 10 grams. Gold 18k: Rs 1,17,320 for 10 grams.
These prices keep changing throughout the day. Shops in Zaveri Bazaar, one of Mumbai’s oldest gold markets, usually follow these prices. You’ll find that actual charges can be a bit different in each shop because of making charges, GST, or small fees.
In Mumbai, a lot of people buy gold for weddings, festivals, and investments. It is easy to check gold rates online or by asking in jewellery markets. Most families still prefer to check rates themselves before buying, especially during big festivals like Diwali and Akshaya Tritiya. Sometimes, prices go up if demand is high because Mumbai is a big centre for the gold trade.
Gold rates in Mumbai mostly depend on international market prices and the Indian Rupee’s value. If the rupee becomes weak, gold becomes more expensive. If there is some international issue, gold prices go up quickly. Many sellers in Mumbai update their rates two or three times every day.
If you are buying gold, always check for hallmarks. This shows the gold is pure. 24k gold is purest, but it is soft, so people often buy 22k for jewellery. 18k gold is usually used for modern styles or lightweight ornaments.
Prices might look high now. But many people in Mumbai still choose to invest in gold for safety. Always check the latest price before deciding. And, ask for a bill for every purchase. This helps if you want to sell or exchange the gold later.
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