Chennai Airport has introduced the UDAN Yatri Cafe, offering budget-friendly refreshments to travellers. The facility was inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, making Chennai the second airport to host the initiative after Kolkata.
The UDAN Yatri Cafe is part of the Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme, which aims to make air travel affordable and accessible. The first such cafe was launched in December 2024 at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, where it received overwhelming praise from passengers.
Located at the T1 domestic terminal’s pre-check area, the cafe offers hygienic snacks at pocket-friendly rates:
- Water Bottle: ₹10
- Tea: ₹10
- Coffee: ₹20
- Samosa: ₹20
- Sweet of the Day: ₹20
This move ensures that budget-conscious travellers have access to affordable refreshments without compromising on quality.
During the inauguration, Naidu highlighted that the 86,135 sq.m. expansion of Terminal 2 is underway to boost international operations. Terminals 1 and 4 are also being refurbished at a cost of over ₹75 crore. Additionally, a ₹19 crore traffic flow management system is being implemented to ease congestion outside the airport.
Chennai Airport is enhancing passenger experience with several initiatives, including:
- Free buggy services for senior citizens and pregnant women
- Childcare rooms
- Medical facilities
- Modern lounges
The airport also operates entirely on green energy, with a 1.5 MW solar power plant powering its operations.The UDAN Yatri Cafe aligns with the government’s vision of inclusive flying, making air travel more affordable and convenient. The success of the Kolkata cafe prompted its expansion to Chennai, with more airports expected to follow.
