In a move that promises to redefine airport dining for Indian travellers, Pune International Airport has launched the Udaan Yatra Café, an affordable food outlet inside its newly built terminal. This initiative, backed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, aims to curb the notoriously high food and beverage prices at airports, offering an economical alternative to flyers across income brackets.
The café’s establishment is part of a broader national push to democratize air travel through the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) scheme. By providing refreshments at pocket-friendly prices, the café not only addresses a long-standing passenger complaint but also furthers the government’s agenda of making aviation accessible to every Indian.
A Game-Changer for Airport Dining
Slashing Prices on the Essentials
Located in the departure terminal of Pune Airport, the Udaan Yatra Café serves popular Indian snacks and beverages at a fraction of the usual cost. As per Airport Authority updates:
- Bottled Water – ₹10
- Tea – ₹10
- Coffee – ₹20
- Samosa – ₹20
- Gulab Jamun – ₹20
This marks a significant departure from typical airport pricing, where basic refreshments often cost up to four or five times more. The café is open to all passengers—irrespective of their ticket class—and is expected to be a welcome relief for students, senior citizens, and families traveling on a budget.
Inspired by UDAN: Making Air Travel Truly for the Masses
The launch of Udaan Yatra Café is in direct alignment with the UDAN scheme, which was launched in 2017 to boost regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable for the common citizen. The café reflects the same spirit by targeting another aspect of air travel—on-ground affordability.
While earlier initiatives under UDAN focused on increasing flight routes and reducing ticket prices, this café tackles the often-overlooked issue of exorbitant airport food costs. It acknowledges that affordability must extend beyond ticket fares and encompass the entire travel experience.
Building on a Nationwide Movement
The Pune café follows a successful model introduced earlier at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, where the first Udaan Yatra Café was inaugurated. These cafés are operated under the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which manages over 100 airports across the country.
By adopting this model in Pune, authorities aim to create a ripple effect, encouraging other airports—especially in metro cities—to follow suit. With millions of first-time flyers entering Indian aviation annually, affordable amenities like this café could significantly improve travel satisfaction.
Passenger Reactions and Early Reviews
Initial feedback from travellers has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media posts and news coverage suggest that the café is already drawing high footfall during peak hours. Many passengers have praised the reasonable prices, clean setup, and quick service—highlighting how such a facility makes a tangible difference, especially for those on tight schedules or tight budgets.
Moreover, travel bloggers and frequent flyers have noted that such low-cost outlets add dignity to the airport experience for all, bridging the class divide that often defines the air travel ecosystem.
The Bigger Picture: Inclusive, Comfortable, and Humane
Airport terminals often charge “premium-only” prices, which discourage many budget travellers from even buying water or snacks. With the Udaan Yatra Café, Pune Airport sends a strong message about inclusive travel—not just selling food but championing accessibility.
Aviation policy experts view this as a small but impactful move to humanize airports. As air travel shifts from being a luxury to a practical option for the middle and lower-middle classes, infrastructure must evolve to meet their needs.
Summing Up
The Udaan Yatra Café is more than a food outlet—it’s a public service innovation. As more airports join this movement, India inches closer to an aviation ecosystem that is not just growing in size but also in empathy.
For now, Pune Airport has set a new benchmark. With affordable refreshments now on the menu, passengers can finally enjoy a cup of tea at ₹10 without leaving the airport—or burning a hole in their pocket.
FAQs
Where Is The Udaan Yatra Café Located In Pune Airport?
The café is located inside the new terminal at Pune International Airport, accessible to all departing passengers.
Who Can Access The Udaan Yatra Café?
All ticketed passengers, regardless of class or airline, can use the café.
What Is The UDAN Scheme?
Launched in 2017, UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) is a government scheme to make air travel affordable and boost regional connectivity.
