Pune Airport is set to launch ‘Udaan Yatra Cafe’ at its new terminal, following the successful implementation of the same model at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.
The cafe, which will be located near the departure gate of the new terminal, is expected to be operational by the end of February. This initiative will offer budget-friendly refreshments, allowing passengers to purchase a bottle of water or a cup of tea for just ₹10.
The ‘Udaan’ initiative, introduced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, aims to make air travel more accessible to the general public. While the scheme has successfully increased affordability in ticket prices, high food and beverage costs at airports remain a major concern for many travelers.
Currently, food stalls at Pune Airport charge ₹200 for tea, ₹250 for coffee, and ₹70 for a bottle of water, making it difficult for budget travelers to afford basic refreshments. Recognizing this issue, passengers had been demanding a low-cost food option for a long time, and the new cafe will address this concern by offering reasonably priced beverages and snacks.
Affordable Pricing at ‘Udaan Yatra Cafe’ (Rates Based on Kolkata Airport Model)
₹10 – Bottle of Water
₹10 – Tea
₹20 – Coffee
₹20 – Samosa
₹20 – Gulab Jamun
Current Food Pricing at the New Pune Terminal
Total Stalls: 15
Tea: ₹200
Coffee: ₹250
Water Bottle: ₹70
Pune Airport’s Daily Operations
160 flights operate daily from Pune Airport
25,000 to 27,000 passengers use the airport every day
According to Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke, the cafe will be fully functional by the end of the month, offering affordable tea, coffee, and water to passengers.
Aviation expert Dhairyasheel Wandekar also praised the move, stating that high food prices at airports force budget travelers to avoid eating or drinking at terminals. He emphasized that the ‘Udaan Yatra Cafe’ will provide significant relief to common passengers.
