Most passengers hesitate before purchasing food at airports due to the high prices. Many travelers either bring food from home or skip meals altogether. However, airport meals may soon become more affordable. The government is planning to introduce “economy zones” at airports, where food and beverages will be sold at more reasonable prices, according to an NDTV report.
After multiple rounds of discussions, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has finalized plans to launch these economy zones. Following this, the Airport Authorities of India (AAI), airport food vendors, and other relevant agencies will hold further talks, the report said.
These economy zones will differ from typical restaurants in that they won’t offer seating arrangements. Passengers will need to collect their food from counters and eat at fast-food tables. These zones will also provide takeaway options. The economy zones will be introduced in newly constructed airports, the report added, citing sources.
This move follows growing concerns from passengers about overpriced food at airports. In September, former Finance Minister P Chidambaram raised the issue in a post on X.
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“I just discovered that Tea made of Hot Water and a Tea Bag costs ₹340 at Kolkata airport. The restaurant is ‘The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.’ A couple of years ago, I found that ‘hot water and tea bag’ cost ₹80 at Chennai airport, and I tweeted about it. AAI took note and took corrective steps. Apparently, inflation is higher in West Bengal than in Tamil Nadu,” Chidambaram wrote.
In 2018, Chidambaram had also criticized the overpriced tea at Chennai airport. “At Chennai Airport Coffee Day, I asked for tea. They offered hot water and a tea bag, priced ₹135. Horrified, I declined. Was I right or wrong? Coffee ₹180. I asked who buys it. The answer was ‘many.’ Am I outdated?” he wrote.