The long-standing perception of inflated food prices at airports received a reset on February 20, 2026, with the launch of the Udaan Yatri Café at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The facility was e-inaugurated by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and is located in Terminal 2 (T2) near the departures check-in area between Gates 1 and 2.
The initiative directly addresses years of passenger complaints and parliamentary discussions around steep food and beverage pricing at Indian airports.
A Budget-Friendly Menu at T2
While T2 houses premium lounges and international dining brands, the Udaan Yatri Café offers essential refreshments at street-level prices, ensuring affordability for all travellers.
Menu Highlights:
- Tea (Chai): ₹10
- Bottled Water: ₹10
- Coffee: ₹20
- Snacks (including samosas): ₹20
- Desserts: ₹20
The concept aims to ensure that basic hydration and snacks remain accessible, especially for budget-conscious passengers and families travelling under tight itineraries.
Part of the Broader UDAN Vision
The Udaan Yatri Café aligns with the government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which focuses on making air travel more inclusive and affordable.
The concept was first piloted at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in December 2024, where it reportedly served over 27,000 passengers within its first month. Since then, the model has expanded to airports in Chennai, Pune, Bhubaneswar, Ahmedabad, Hollongi (Itanagar), Vijayawada, and Hyderabad.
At Mumbai’s CSMIA, the outlet is operated by Adani Airport Holdings, and its performance is expected to guide similar rollouts at other privately managed and Airports Authority of India (AAI) facilities, including the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Rethinking Airport Retail Economics
Traditionally, airport operators have relied heavily on non-aeronautical revenues from premium retail and dining. However, the introduction of Udaan Yatri Café reflects a recalibration toward inclusive pricing models.
By offering affordable food options alongside luxury brands, airports are moving away from the perception of a “captive audience” marketplace and toward a more balanced ecosystem that caters to diverse income groups.
As Indian aviation continues to expand into Tier-II and Tier-III cities, initiatives like the ₹10 tea at Mumbai Airport signal a broader shift—where accessibility and passenger goodwill become as important as premium revenue streams.
