Chai and samosas at the airport can be quite pricey. Find out why?
Chai and samosas at the airport can be quite pricey. Find out why?
The Indian government does not regulate food prices at airports, with the high costs being defended as a necessary component of cross-subsidization within the aviation sector.
Numerous social media posts have surfaced where individuals express their dissatisfaction with the high prices of food at airports. A standard cappuccino, without any extravagant toppings or specialty ingredients, costs Rs 250. If you’re looking to grab a basic meal, like a bottle of water and a samosa, expect to pay significantly more than you would elsewhere. This situation is undeniably exasperating.
If you find this situation unacceptable and are seeking some form of consumer protection against what seems like blatant overcharging, we regret to inform you that the Indian government has made it clear, as of February 10, that it does not oversee the pricing of food and beverages at airports.
This clarification came in response to an unstarred question posed by P.V. Abdul Wahab, a Rajya Sabha member from Kerala. The inquiry aimed to address the steep prices of tea, snacks, and other food items at airports, as well as the rationale behind them. Wahab also inquired whether passengers had filed complaints and if any steps were being taken to ensure prices remain reasonable.
The response from the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation appeared to be, at most, a nonchalant gesture. It was stated that food options are offered at “varied price ranges” to “suit the budgets of different passenger segments.”
Furthermore, the government does not regulate the pricing of non-aeronautical services, including food and beverages. Nevertheless, 30 percent of the revenue from these non-aeronautical activities is allocated to subsidize aeronautical charges, which is claimed to lead to reduced ticket prices for travelers.
Also, the dominant perspective suggests that airports function as commercial entities, allowing businesses the liberty to set prices based on market demand. However, this reasoning becomes questionable when one recognizes that the so-called market comprises passengers who are essentially confined within a secure environment and subject to obligatory security measures.
The government has noted the receipt of complaints—specifically 18 in 2024 regarding this.
In other words, passengers will have to be ready to shell out more money. The only option available is to refrain from eating at the airport and consider less expensive options outside.
The government’s response includes initiatives designed to offer economical food choices, which helps mitigate the impact of rising costs. A prominent example is the UDAN Yatri Café at Kolkata airport, where travelers can access reasonably priced meals. For instance, a cup of tea is available for only Rs 10. This café, established in partnership with the Airports Authority of India, also provides snacks like samosas and sweets for Rs 20.
While this initiative is praiseworthy, it raises the question of why similar programs are not introduced at other major airports that cater to middle-class travelers.
All in all, airport food tends to be quite pricey due to a combination of several factors. High rental costs, expensive contracts, and the implicit recognition that travelers, confined in an area with limited options, will ultimately give in to the prices. Concessionaires at airports take advantage of this captive audience, knowing that the urgency of hunger will drive passengers to spend more on food.
