Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport — Fun Facts for Kids

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is India's busiest airport, known for its stunning Terminal 2 with the world's largest art wall.

Quick Facts About Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

IATA Code
BOM
ICAO Code
VABB
City
Mumbai
Country
India
Year Opened
1942
Annual Passengers
~50 million
Terminals
2
Runways
2

Welcome to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport!

Have you ever wondered what makes Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport so special? Located in the wonderful city of Mumbai, India, this airport with the code BOM (or VABB for pilots and air traffic controllers) is one of the most fascinating airports on our planet. It first opened its doors in 1942 and has been welcoming travelers from all around the world ever since.

Every year, approximately 50 million passengers pass through Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, making it one of the busiest airports in its region. With 2 terminals and 2 runways, this airport is a marvel of modern engineering and design. Terminal 2 with stunning art installations, named after the great Maratha warrior king, busiest airport in India.

Amazing Facts About Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for Kids

Here are some incredible things that make this airport truly unique and exciting:

  • ✈ The airport is named after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a legendary warrior king who founded the Maratha Empire in India over 350 years ago.
  • ✈ Terminal 2, called GVK New International Terminal, has an incredible jali (lattice) inspired ceiling designed to look like a peacock — India's national bird.
  • ✈ Mumbai airport handles some of the most flights per single runway in the world because it only has 2 runways but serves over 50 million passengers.
  • ✈ The airport code BOM comes from the old name of the city: Bombay, which was changed to Mumbai in 1995.
  • ✈ Bollywood stars are regularly spotted at this airport — Mumbai is the home of the world's largest film industry!

🌟 Super Fun Fact!

Terminal 2 at Mumbai airport has the largest art wall in the world! It features over 7,000 pieces of Indian art spanning 3,000 years of history, creating a 3-kilometer-long gallery.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Aviation Snakes & Ladders

Did you know that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) is featured in the Aviation Snakes & Ladders board game by 2410 Games? This exciting educational game takes you on a journey through real airports from around the globe, including this very one in Mumbai!

As you play the game, you will land on airport squares and learn real facts about each one — from the IATA codes that pilots use, to the countries and cities where these airports are located. It is a fantastic way to learn geography, aviation, and world culture while having a blast with family and friends.

The Aviation Snakes & Ladders game is designed for smart kids ages 3-12 and makes learning about world airports like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport an unforgettable adventure. Every roll of the dice is a chance to discover something new about our amazing world!

Why Learning About Airports Is Important

Airports are not just places where planes take off and land — they are incredible gateways that connect people, cultures, and countries from every corner of the Earth. When you learn about airports like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, you are also learning about geography, engineering, history, and different cultures around the world.

Understanding IATA codes (like BOM) and ICAO codes (like VABB) is something that real pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation professionals use every single day. By learning these codes now, you are taking your first step into the exciting world of aviation!

Whether you dream of becoming a pilot, an engineer, a travel writer, or just love exploring new places, knowing about the world's airports gives you a head start. And with games like Aviation Snakes & Ladders, learning is always an adventure!

Keep Learning! Educational Resources

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