India’s first-ever “affordable food outlet” at an airport has become a hit, attracting approximately 900 customers daily within its first month of operation. The UDAN Yatri Cafe, located at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport, has garnered attention for offering low-cost meals and beverages, a relief for many air travelers tired of overpriced airport food.
For instance, travelers can enjoy tea for just ₹10, which is a stark contrast to the often inflated prices elsewhere. Bottles of water are also priced at ₹10, while coffee, sweetmeats, and samosas are available for ₹20 each. The cafe was launched as part of the government’s initiative to address complaints from passengers about exorbitant food prices, with some airport outlets charging up to 200% more than standard restaurant prices.
The cafe, a collaboration between the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), is operated by a private company. The response to the cafe has been overwhelmingly positive, with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu expressing his satisfaction with the success of this initiative. During the airport’s centenary celebration on December 21, 2024, the cafe was inaugurated, marking a significant milestone in making air travel more affordable.
Given the positive feedback, there are plans to introduce similar affordable cafes at other airports across the country.