Affordable Food Initiative
A significant concern for many air travelers in India has been the persistently high cost of food and beverages within airport premises. Addressing this
widespread complaint, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, Raghav Chadha, recently put forth a compelling argument for the substantial expansion of the 'Udaan Yatri Cafe' initiative. Launched in February 2026 as a government-backed project, this program is designed to offer economical food and drink options to passengers. Currently, the availability of these affordable cafes is quite limited, with reports indicating they are present at only about 10 to 12 of the nation's more than 150 airports. MP Chadha is urging the government to rectify this situation by extending the network of these cafes to cover every single airport across the country, thereby ensuring that budget-conscious travelers are not left with exorbitant choices.
Strategic Location Matters
Beyond simply increasing the number of 'Udaan Yatri Cafes,' Raghav Chadha emphasized a critical aspect of their placement: their location within the airport infrastructure. He pointed out that the current placement of these cafes, predominantly in the pre-check-in area before security screening, is not optimal. The MP highlighted that passengers spend a considerable amount of time in the departure zones after clearing check-in and security, precisely the periods when they are most likely to purchase items like tea or snacks. Therefore, Chadha strongly advocates for relocating or establishing these cafes within the departure areas, post-security. This strategic repositioning would allow travelers greater and more convenient access to affordable refreshments during their extended waiting times before boarding their flights, significantly enhancing the passenger experience.
Addressing Capacity Issues
Further elaborating on the challenges faced by travelers seeking affordable options, MP Chadha drew attention to operational constraints that hinder accessibility. He noted that in numerous airport locations, a limited number of counters for food and beverage services often lead to lengthy queues, particularly during peak travel hours when passenger traffic is at its highest. This congestion not only causes delays but also contributes to frustration. In addition to the issue of queues, Chadha also highlighted limitations in menu variety and overall capacity, which further restrict the availability of affordable choices for passengers. To combat these issues, the MP reiterated his call for the establishment of 'Udaan Yatri Cafes' at all airports, large and small, with a specific focus on making them accessible in the crucial post-security departure zones.
Basic Convenience for All
Raghav Chadha concluded his appeal by firmly stating that access to affordable food at airports should not be considered a luxury but rather a fundamental convenience for air travelers. He stressed the importance of making air travel a more passenger-friendly and accessible experience for everyone. The 'Udaan Yatri Cafe' initiative, with its provision of budget-friendly items such as tea and water at Rs 10, and coffee and snacks at Rs 20, directly addresses the long-standing issue of inflated prices at airports. By advocating for its widespread implementation, Chadha aims to ensure that all passengers, regardless of their destination or budget, can enjoy a basic comfort during their journey.
