Airport food in India has a reputation for being expensive. A simple tea or snack can easily cost 5 to 10 times as much as it would outside. The government-backed Udaan Yatri Cafe initiative is trying to change that.
These small cafes offer basic food and drinks at fixed, low prices so travellers can eat without worrying about high airport costs. As of March 2026, Udaan Yatri Cafes are now available at 17 airports, with new openings in Patna, Lucknow, and Jaipur.
The idea is simple. Make flying more affordable, especially for budget travellers and passengers from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
What is Udaan Yatri Cafe?
Udaan Yatri Cafe is a low-cost food outlet available inside the airport premises. It focuses on simple snacks and drinks at affordable rates. Unlike most airport restaurants, prices here are fixed and budget-friendly.
The first cafe opened in Kolkata in December 2024. Since then, the network has expanded steadily across India.
Complete List of Udaan Yatri Cafes in India (2024–2026)
Here is the latest list of airports where Udaan Yatri Cafes are currently available:
| City | Airport Name | IATA Code | Opening Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kolkata | Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport | CCU | Dec 19, 2024 |
| Chennai | Chennai International Airport | MAA | Feb 2025 |
| Ahmedabad | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport | AMD | Mar 2025 |
| Pune | Pune Airport | PNQ | Apr 2025 |
| Bhubaneswar | Biju Patnaik International Airport | BBI | Sep 2025 |
| Itanagar | Donyi Polo Airport (Itanagar) | HGI | Sep 11, 2025 |
| Vijayawada | Vijayawada International Airport | VGA | Sep 29, 2025 |
| Hyderabad | Rajiv Gandhi International Airport | HYD | Jan 10, 2026 |
| Coimbatore | Coimbatore International Airport | CJB | Feb 2026 |
| Mumbai | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport – T2 | BOM | Feb 2026 |
| Surat | Surat International Airport | STV | Feb 2026 |
| Mangaluru | Mangaluru International Airport | IXE | Feb 2026 |
| Trivandrum | Thiruvananthapuram International Airport | TRV | Feb 2026 |
| Lucknow | Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport – T3 | LKO | Mar 29, 2026 |
| Jaipur | Jaipur International Airport – T2 | JAI | Mar 29, 2026 |
| Patna | Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport | PAT | Mar 29, 2026 |
More locations are expected soon as the initiative expands further.
Udaan Yatri Cafe Menu and Prices
Food at Udaan Yatri Cafes is intentionally simple. The focus is on affordability rather than variety.
Typical prices include:
- Bottled water – Rs 10
- Tea – Rs 10
- Coffee – Rs 20
- Samosa – Rs 20
- Medu vada – Rs 20
- Sweet of the day – Rs 20
Some airports also offer light breakfast items, juice, and local snacks such as kachori, usually priced below Rs 50.
It is worth noting here that menus may vary slightly between airports, but prices remain low.
Why Udaan Yatri Cafes Matter for Travellers
Airport meals are often one of the hidden costs of flying. Even budget flights can become expensive once food and drinks are added. Udaan Yatri Cafes help travellers:
- Save money before boarding
- Access affordable food at airports
- Avoid paying high restaurant prices inside terminals
- Find simple, quick snacks during long waits
These cafes are especially useful at busy airports like Mumbai and Hyderabad, where passengers often spend several hours waiting for flights.
Many cafes are located before security check areas, making them accessible even for people who are not flying but visiting the airport.
Will More Airports Get Udaan Yatri Cafes?
The government is currently focusing on expanding the cafes in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. However, major metro airports such as Delhi and Bengaluru may also see Udaan Yatri Cafes in the future.
More announcements are expected as the program grows.
FAQs About Udaan Yatri Cafe
1. When did the first Udaan Yatri Cafe open and where?,
The first Udaan Yatri Cafe started on December 19, 2024, at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata.
2. Are Udaan Yatri Cafes open 24 hours?
Most cafes operate from early morning to late night, usually around 4 AM to midnight. Timings depend on flight schedules and airport operations.
3. Are combo meals available?
There are no official combo deals. However, buying multiple items is still very affordable. For example, tea and a samosa together cost about Rs 30.
4. Is the food hygienic?
Yes. Food is prepared following FSSAI hygiene standards. Packaged drinking water is also available.
5. Can non-passengers visit Udaan Yatri Cafe?
Yes. Many cafes are located before the security check areas. Friends or family dropping off passengers can also use them.
6. Will Delhi Airport get Udaan Yatri Cafe?
There is no official confirmation yet. The focus is currently on smaller cities, but metro expansion is likely in future.
Final Thoughts
Udaan Yatri Cafes are a small change that makes a big difference. Low-cost food inside airports helps make flying more accessible, especially for first-time and budget travellers.
As more locations open, passengers across India can expect affordable tea, snacks, and basic meals without the usual airport price shock.
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