Budget-friendly ‘Udaan Yatri Cafe’ opens at Bhubaneswar Airport; now get snacks at minimal rates

Passengers flying in and out of Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport will now have access to affordable food and beverages, with the inauguration of ‘Udaan Yatri Cafe’. The unit was launched by Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu on Monday.

Notably, the cafe is part of the Central government’s initiative to provide budget-friendly refreshment options at airports, where passengers have long raised concerns about high food prices.

Unlike premium outlets, the Udaan Yatri Cafe will serve essentials at minimal rates with tea for Rs 10, packaged water for Rs 10, coffee for Rs 20, samosas for Rs 20, and a sweet of the day for Rs 20. Operators at the counter said the rates have been deliberately kept low to make air travel more accessible and comfortable for all categories of passengers.

Minister’s Vision for Air Travel

Speaking at the launch, Minister Naidu said, “Air travel is no longer a luxury; it has become a necessity for many sections of society. Through the Udaan Yatri Cafe, we want to ensure that affordable facilities are available for all, irrespective of ticket class.”

The Cafe, he added, is aligned with the government’s broader UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, aimed at making air travel more inclusive.

Expansion Across Airports

The first Udaan Yatri Cafe was introduced at Kolkata Airport in December 2024, followed by launches in Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Pune. With Bhubaneswar now added to the list, the government has announced plans to roll out 10 to 15 such cafes at major airports within the next year.

Travellers at the airport welcomed the move, saying that reasonably priced food has been a long-standing demand. “Airport food has always been out of reach for common travellers. This cafe will help passengers like students, families, and frequent flyers,” said a passenger waiting at the terminal.