The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has taken a major step to make air travel more affordable for the common man by launching India’s first budget-friendly food outlet, the UDAN Cafe, at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Kolkata. Recognizing the financial strain air travel often places on middle-class travellers, this initiative offers reasonably priced food options at the airport, an area typically associated with high prices.
Since its opening, the UDAN Cafe has become a hit among passengers. According to a PTI report dated January 22, the café welcomed an impressive 900 daily visitors in its first month. To date, the café has served over 27,000 customers, as confirmed by an Airports Authority of India spokesperson.
Tea that usually costs over ₹100 or more than at airport outlets is now available for just ₹10 at the newly opened UDAN Yatri Cafe at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. The cafe was inaugurated on December 21 last year during the airport’s centenary celebrations by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu.
Sharing his thoughts on X (Twitter), the minister said, “Since assuming office as Civil Aviation Minister, I have aimed to make air travel more affordable and accessible for every Indian.The UDAN Yatri Cafe at Kolkata Airport, being the first of its kind, represents a major stride towards achieving this goal.”
He also expressed gratitude for the cafe’s positive reception, adding, “As it marks its first month, I am genuinely touched by the favourable feedback from travellers. This initiative exemplifies our dedication to enhancing the travel experience for each passenger.”
Now in Kolkata Airport, passengers can enjoy tea and water for just ₹10, while snacks like samosas, sweets, and coffee are priced at ₹20. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu explained on X that the café aims to make air travel more affordable and accessible. He said it allows common people to enjoy clean and budget-friendly food without stressing about the cost.