- Low rate shops will be inevitable
Food will now be cheaper at the airport. Airport Authority of India is going to make affordable zones at airports mandatory for that. That means some places at each airport will be reserved as affordable zones, where passengers can buy food items at cheaper rates.
According to a civil aviation ministry official, passengers as well as public representatives of every state have been complaining about expensive food products at airports for a long time. A normal passenger takes 6-7 hours to reach the airport from home and from there to reach home after completing the journey. Because both airports and flights are places where passengers can eat. But the price is so high that people prefer to starve rather than eat.
According to sources, such a space has been identified in the departure area of domestic flights at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kochi airports. 6-8 outlets will open here for food and drink at affordable rates. Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu held 3 meetings to resolve this issue.
This advantage… a tea available for 125-200 can now be enjoyed for 50-60 rupees According to an AAI official, food items will be around 60-70% cheaper at these outlets. Currently, a tea at the airport fetches around Rs.125-200, but in affordable zones it can be found for Rs.50-60. Yes, there will be a gap in service and quantity like in an expensive restaurant. That means there will be a standing table instead of sitting. Tea will be served in a small cup or glass. There will be compact meal instead of full meal. Goods will be available in basic quality of packing.
When will it start… Zones will open at 3 airports by December this year and at each airport in 6 months The facility is expected to be launched at three airports in the country by December. It is expected that an economy zone will be developed at the airport within the next six months. Because fog in December and January causes further delays in flight operations, resulting in increased travel and waiting time. Meanwhile, economy zone passengers will get more convenience.
What will be the capacity… about 200 passengers According to the sources, no rule has been framed regarding the area of this economic zone. It will be determined by the size of the airport and the number of aircraft and passengers. Small and medium airports will be allocated enough space to have 6-8 shops and a capacity to handle 160-200 passengers per hour.
But… nothing else will be sold here According to an official of the Airport Authority of India, only catering facilities will be available in the economy zone. There will be an outlet related to the same. There will be no outlets for clothing, toys, mobile stores or other purchases. Its aim is to provide affordable food items to travelers, which is the basic need of any traveler.
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