What Exactly Is Changing?
The business of providing food at airports and on flights is now consolidated under a single, unified licensing framework. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been designated as the central authority responsible for licensing all
food businesses operating within airport premises across the country. Previously, the jurisdiction could be complex, involving a mix of state and central licenses depending on turnover, and rules from various bodies like the Airports Authority of India (AAI) or private operators. This move simplifies the regulatory landscape, making it mandatory for every food vendor—from a small kiosk to a large flight kitchen—to obtain a Central FSSAI License to operate legally within an airport. This centralisation aims to create a consistent standard for food safety nationwide.
Meet the New Authority in Charge
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the organisation at the heart of this change. Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the FSSAI is the country's primary body for regulating food safety and standards. It is responsible for setting the rules for everything from food product labelling to the hygiene practices of food handlers. By designating FSSAI as the sole licensor for airport catering, the government is leveraging an existing, specialised agency to oversee this critical sector. Recent advisories from FSSAI have already focused on tightening compliance for airline caterers, indicating a proactive approach to improving standards. This means all airport food businesses, including flight kitchens and in-flight services, must now align with FSSAI's specific mandates for their 'Kind of Business' (KoB) registration.
Why Was This Consolidation Needed?
The previous system could lead to inconsistencies. Depending on a business's annual turnover, it might fall under a state license or a central one, creating a patchwork of oversight. With airports being high-visibility gateways hosting millions of international and domestic passengers, ensuring uniform, high standards for food is a matter of national reputation. Incidents related to food quality on flights have also prompted calls for stricter protocols. By bringing all airport and airline catering under one umbrella, FSSAI can enforce a single, stringent set of rules, making inspections and compliance checks more effective and transparent. This move is designed to eliminate regulatory confusion and strengthen accountability across the entire airline food supply chain, from the kitchen to the passenger.
What It Means for Your Next Trip
For travellers, this change is primarily about assurance and transparency. With every food vendor held to the same high FSSAI Central License standards, you can expect more consistent quality and safety, whether you are dining at a major international terminal or a smaller regional airport. FSSAI has also been pushing for clearer labelling on in-flight meals, mandating that details like the caterer's name, FSSAI number, and the date and time of packaging are clearly displayed. This empowers you with more information about the food you are served. Furthermore, the regulator has encouraged airlines to make passengers aware of grievance redressal systems like the FSSAI's Food Safety Connect App, providing a clear channel for lodging complaints if something goes wrong.
The Impact on Food Businesses
For catering companies and food outlets, the new rule brings both clarity and greater responsibility. The mandate for a Central FSSAI License simplifies the legal process, as they no longer need to navigate different state and central requirements based on their turnover or location within the airport. A single license is now required for operating across the country in this domain. However, this also means they are subject to the stricter scrutiny associated with a Central License. Businesses must have a robust Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan and adhere to detailed hygiene and infrastructure norms. While this raises the operational bar, it also enhances a brand's credibility and consumer trust, which is crucial in the competitive airport environment.
