‘UDAN Yatri Cafe’ to Open Soon in Lucknow Airport, Affordable Menu for Air Travellers

Lucknow is all set to welcome a significant upgrade in its airport amenities with the upcoming launch of the ‘UDAN Yatri Cafe’ at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (CCSIA). An initiative by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the UDAN Yatri Cafe is part of a larger push to improve passenger services at airports across India — starting with making food and beverage options more affordable for the common traveller.

This move comes in the backdrop of repeated complaints by air travelers over the years regarding the unreasonably high food prices at most airports. With the launch of this cafe, Lucknow joins a select group of airports across the country working to make air travel not just accessible, but also more passenger-friendly.

Background of the UDAN Yatri Cafe

The concept of the UDAN Yatri Cafe was first rolled out at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata in December 2024. The launch, which took place during the airport’s centenary celebrations, was led by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu. The cafe received a warm reception from travelers for offering quality food at modest prices.

The name “UDAN” reflects the larger vision behind the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme — a government initiative to make air travel accessible to the masses. The UDAN Yatri Cafe carries forward this vision by targeting a major pain point for passengers — expensive refreshments.

What’s on the Menu?

The menu at UDAN Yatri Cafe is deliberately simple and budget-friendly, offering popular Indian snacks and beverages that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Here’s a look at the indicative menu that is expected to be implemented at the Lucknow airport branch as well:

• Tea (Chai): ₹10

• Coffee: ₹20

• Packaged Drinking Water (500 ml): ₹10

• Samosa: ₹20

• Poha: ₹25

• Idli with Chutney: ₹30

• Aloo Paratha: ₹30

• Bread Pakora: ₹20

• Upma: ₹25

• Sweet of the Day (e.g. Gulab Jamun or Rasgulla): ₹20

• Fruit Bowl: ₹30

• Curd Rice: ₹30

These prices are significantly lower than what is typically seen at regular airport food stalls, where a basic tea or coffee can cost between ₹80–₹150. By keeping the pricing accessible, the Ministry hopes to cater not only to budget-conscious travelers but also to ground staff, frequent flyers, and short-haul passengers who often skip airport meals due to costs.

Why Lucknow?

As one of the fastest-growing cities in India, Lucknow has seen a significant rise in air passenger traffic over the past few years. CCSIA handled over 5 million passengers in 2023 and is now among the busiest tier-2 airports in the country. With the city increasingly being linked to domestic and international destinations, the timing for launching such a facility couldn’t be better.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) identified Lucknow as a priority location due to its strategic importance in Uttar Pradesh’s aviation network and the rising demand for better airport infrastructure.

A Step Toward Equitable Travel

During the launch of the first UDAN Yatri Cafe, Minister Ram Mohan Naidu had said:

“Our goal is to ensure that air travel reflects the dignity and comfort of every citizen, not just a privileged few. Affordable food at airports is a basic but essential step in that direction.”

The initiative also reflects the larger vision of making public services more inclusive. The cafe at Lucknow will likely be located in the departure area, with plans underway to establish a similar setup in the arrival section in the near future.

Travelers React Positively

Passengers at other airports where the UDAN Yatri Cafe has been introduced have expressed appreciation for the effort. Many took to social media to praise the affordability, cleanliness, and quality of food. Expectations are high that Lucknow travelers will soon enjoy the same convenience.

“It’s a welcome change. Airport food is usually overpriced. Having a ₹10 tea or a ₹20 snack is a relief, especially during long layovers or early morning flights,” said Shalini Singh, a frequent flyer and Lucknow resident.

Looking Ahead

The UDAN Yatri Cafe initiative is expected to expand to other airports in India, with upcoming launches planned in cities like Patna, Jaipur, and Bhubaneswar. If successful, these cafes could revolutionize the way airports serve food, setting a new standard for affordability and accessibility.

As the countdown begins for its opening at CCSIA, the UDAN Yatri Cafe in Lucknow is being seen not just as another food outlet — but as a statement that the Indian aviation ecosystem is truly becoming more inclusive, passenger-friendly, and grounded in service.

In a city that blends tradition with modernity, the UDAN Yatri Cafe adds another feather to Lucknow’s cap — offering warmth, flavour, and affordability at 30,000 feet and counting.x