Airport terminals have had a reputation for overpriced dishes and drinks. While airports are often equipped with a variety of dining options, most are premium-priced. For many passengers, especially those on a budget or frequent flyers, these prices can be prohibitively expensive, limiting their choices or forcing them to carry their own snacks.
Given the shift in accessibility of air travel, travellers have been making the most of affordable flight options. However, the high cost of basic food, such as a cup of tea or coffee, often adds up to unnecessary expenses. To make the food at the airport terminals affordable, the government has initiated a plan of action to set up “economy zones.”
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Highlighting the issue, the former Finance Minister of India, P. Chidambaram posted on X, “I just discovered that Tea made of Hot Water and a Tea Bag costs Rs 340 in Kolkata airport. The restaurant is 'The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf'. A couple of years ago, I found that the 'hot water and tea bag' cost Rs 80 at Chennai airport, and I tweeted about it. AAI took note and took corrective steps.” Adding to it, the minister concluded, “ Apparently, inflation is higher in West Bengal than in Tamil Nadu.”
After getting a series of complaints, as per reports, the Ministry of Civil Aviation addressed the concerns. With subsequent discussions with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the government plans to set up spaces and food outlets which serve food with bills that can easily fit into a passenger’s pocket.
Reportedly, the economy zones will be just like a food court. Travellers can get food and beverages at budget-friendly prices, enjoy their meals at the tables installed within the zones, and leverage the takeaway facilities. This initiative, with the goal of making airports “travel-friendly” in every sense, has been appreciated greatly by the netizens.