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Airport meals will become affordable if the Centre's plan for economic zones at airports goes ahead
Most passengers think twice before getting a meal from an airport. Eating at the airport is terribly expensive for many passengers, and hence, they prefer to carry food from home or skip meals. However, meals at the airport may become pocket-friendly soon.
The government is planning to introduce economy zones that would sell food and beverages at an affordable price at airports.
After several rounds of discussions, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has finalised a decision to launch economy zones in airports. The Airport Authorities of India (AAI) will hold talks with airport food outlets and related agencies soon.
Self-service, no seats
These economy zones will not have seating arrangements like at restaurants. The passengers will be required to get their food from the counters and eat at fast-food tables. These zones will also provide takeaway facilities.
These economy zones will first be introduced in newly built airports.
This move comes after many passengers raised concerns over expensive food sold at airports. In September, the former Union finance minister P Chidambaram also raised the concern in a post on X. “I just discovered that tea made of hot water and a tea bag costs ₹340 in 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 in 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 quipped.
In 2018, Chidambaram called out overpriced tea at the Chennai airport. "At Chennai Airport Coffee Day I asked for tea. Offered hot water and tea bag, price ₹135. Horrified, I declined. Was I right or wrong? Coffee ₹180. I asked who buys it? Answer was 'many'. Am I outdated?” he wrote.
(By arrangement with livemint.com)
