India’s First Affordable Airport Cafe Becomes a Hit at Kolkata Airport
India's First Affordable Airport Cafe Becomes a Hit at Kolkata Airport
India’s first affordable food outlet at an airport, the UDAN Yatri Cafe, has become very popular with travelers at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport. Located in the departure area, the cafe has been attracting about 900 passengers daily since it opened on December 21, 2024, during the airport’s 100-year celebrations.
The cafe offers budget-friendly options like tea for just Rs 10, snacks such as samosas, coffee, and sweets for Rs 20, and bottled water for Rs 10. Managed by a private company, the cafe has served around 27,000 travelers in its first month, according to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu highlighted the initiative as part of his mission to make air travel more affordable. In a post on X, he said, “The UDAN Yatri Cafe at Kolkata Airport is a big step toward making travel easier and more accessible for everyone. The positive feedback from travelers shows how much this initiative is helping.”
The idea for the cafe came after passengers complained about high food prices at airports. A recent survey showed 60% of travelers found airport food overpriced, often 100-200% more expensive than similar items at railway stations or malls. For example, snacks like samosas can cost over Rs 200, while drinks can go up to Rs 300 at other airport outlets.
The success of the UDAN Yatri Cafe is expected to encourage similar affordable food options at other airports, making air travel more convenient and satisfying for passengers across the country.
