Popeyes has entered India’s airport foodservice landscape with the launch of its first outlet at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, signalling a sharper focus on high-traffic travel locations as part of its broader expansion strategy. The new restaurant is located at the Terminal 2 forecourt, one of the country’s busiest aviation hubs and a key gateway for domestic and international travellers.
The airport opening comes just months after Popeyes debuted in the Mumbai market, reinforcing the brand’s intent to build visibility in premium consumption zones beyond high streets and malls. With passenger volumes at Mumbai T2 among the highest in India, the location offers a strong platform for brand discovery, trial and repeat engagement.
The outlet serves Popeyes’ core global and India-specific menu, including its flagship Chicken Sandwich, Signature Fried Chicken, Boneless Chicken with international flavour profiles, and the Hot and Messy range curated for local tastes. The brand continues to follow its Louisiana-style Cajun cooking process, with chicken that is freshly prepared, hand-battered, hand-breaded and marinated for 12 hours before cooking.
Sameer Khetarpal, CEO and Managing Director of Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, which operates Popeyes in India, said airports have evolved into important consumer touchpoints rather than just transit zones. He noted that the Mumbai airport launch is aimed at engaging a high-intent audience and extending Popeyes’ presence into travel-led destinations following a positive response in the city since August.
The outlet has been launched in partnership with AMRL, a key player in airport food and beverage operations. An AMRL spokesperson said airports are increasingly being shaped as lifestyle destinations, with dining playing a central role in the traveller experience. The partnership with Popeyes, the spokesperson added, aligns with the goal of offering globally recognised brands at India’s leading airports.
The Mumbai T2 Popeyes outlet is currently operational and offers both dine-in and takeaway options. The launch adds to Jubilant FoodWorks’ growing portfolio, which spans over 3,300 stores across six international markets and includes global brands such as Domino’s, Popeyes and Dunkin’, alongside its own homegrown concepts.
