Raghav Chadha, Rajya Sabha MP from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), on Monday raised concerns over the high cost of food at airports and urged the government to expand the Udaan Yatri Cafe initiative to all airports across India.
Speaking in the Upper House, Chadha said that air travellers have long complained about expensive food and beverages at airports. He noted that the issue had previously been raised in Parliament and stressed the need for a long-term solution to make air travel more passenger-friendly.
While appreciating the government’s effort to introduce affordable food through the Udaan Yatri Cafe initiative, Chadha said the scheme currently has limited reach and requires significant expansion.
Limited Availability of Udaan Yatri Cafes
Chadha pointed out that India has more than 150 operational airports, but Udaan Yatri Cafes are currently available at only 10 to 12 airports.
He urged the government to expand the initiative so that passengers at every airport—large or small—can access affordable food and beverages.
According to him, affordable food at airports should not be considered a luxury but rather a basic facility for travellers.
“Affordable food at airports should not be a luxury. It is a basic convenience for travellers,” Chadha said during his intervention in the Rajya Sabha.
Call to Place Cafes After Security Check
The AAP leader also highlighted the need to relocate these cafes to more convenient locations inside airport terminals.
At present, most Udaan Yatri Cafes are located in the pre-check-in area before the security check, which limits access for passengers who spend most of their waiting time in the departure area.
Chadha suggested that the cafes should ideally be placed after check-in and security checks, where travellers wait the longest before boarding their flights.
He explained that passengers are more likely to purchase tea, coffee, or snacks during this waiting period inside the departure lounge.
Concerns Over Long Queues and Limited Menu
Chadha also raised operational concerns regarding the initiative, noting that limited counters and menu options at many locations reduce the effectiveness of the scheme.
According to him, long queues often form during peak travel hours because only a few counters are available. The restricted menu and capacity constraints further limit accessibility for passengers.
He urged the government to address these challenges while expanding the program.
What Is Udaan Yatri Cafe?
The Udaan Yatri Cafe is a government-led initiative launched in February 2026 to provide budget-friendly food and beverages at airports across India.
Under the scheme, passengers can buy basic refreshments at affordable prices, including:
- Tea or water for ₹10
- Coffee and snacks for ₹20
The initiative was introduced to tackle the long-standing problem of high food prices at airports and to make air travel more affordable for ordinary passengers.
Chadha reiterated that expanding the scheme nationwide would significantly improve the travel experience for millions of flyers.