India's First 'Affordable' Airport Food Outlet Hit Among Travellers, Registers 27,000 Visitors In First Month

India's first 'affordable food outlet' at an airport has reportedly garnered a warm response from travellers in Kolkata, drawing an average daily footfall of 900 in its inaugural month.

Located in the departure area of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport, the UDAN Yatri Cafe offers tea at just Rs 10, significantly undercutting the prices charged by other airport food outlets.

According to an Airports Authority of India (AAI) spokesperson, the cafe has served around 27,000 passengers since its opening.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, who had inaugurated the UDAN Yatri Cafe during Kolkata Airport's centenary celebrations on 21 December last year, has expressed his satisfaction with its positive reception among travellers.

"Since the day I took oath as Civil Aviation Minister, my mission has been to make air travel more affordable and accessible for every Indian. The UDAN Yatri Cafe at Kolkata Airport, India’s first affordable food outlet at an airport, is a significant step in that direction," Naidu stated in a post on X on Tuesday (21 January).

"As it completes one month today, I am deeply moved by the positive response from travelers. This initiative reflects our commitment to ease the journey for every passenger," he added.

In a video shared on X, the minister reflected on his visit to Kolkata for the airport's centenary celebrations and the official launch of the cafe.

Operated by a private company, the UDAN Yatri Cafe offers affordable items such as bottled water for Rs 10 and coffee, a sweetmeat, or a samosa for Rs 20, according to airport sources cited in a PTI report.

Similar low-cost cafes may reportedly be established at other airports in the future. The initiative stems from widespread passenger complaints about the steep prices of food and beverages in airport terminals.

A recent nationwide survey revealed that a large proportion of airline passengers view airport food and beverage prices as "excessive," with some citing costs more than double those at restaurants, organised retail outlets, or railway stations.

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