A recent tweet by a Chandigarh-based content creator, Sejal Sud, regarding the exorbitant price of Maggi noodles at airports has ignited a spirited debate on social media platforms. Sud shared a picture of her bill, which amounted to ₹193 for a plate of Maggi purchased at an airport, prompting many to question the high cost of airport meals. This incident has led to discussions among Delhiites about their preferences when it comes to choosing between ordering expensive airport meals or opting for home-cooked food while traveling by air.
Nadeem Khan, a Portuguese teacher from Jamia Nagar, voiced his opinion, stating, "There should be a cap on the prices of food items, especially packaged ones, as delayed flights can make it difficult to sustain oneself at the airport. Even if I cannot cook myself, I would prefer getting my food packed from a local outlet in the city rather than eating at the airport. This not only saves money but also provides better options beyond the limited outlets available at airports."
Others, like Tanishka, a financial analyst from Kirti Nagar, believe that the high prices at airports stem from their commercial nature. Tanishka explains, "Airports have been handed over to private companies for millions of rupees, and the elevated prices are necessary to generate revenue and manage the vast infrastructure with significant capital investment. So, while Maggi may cost around ₹20 elsewhere, it will cost an additional ₹173 when purchased at the airport."
Monish Sehgal, the owner of a standalone food outlet at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi, shed light on the factors contributing to the higher prices. Sehgal mentioned that at airports, everything, including inventory, staff, and logistics for food retailers, comes at a higher cost. He further explained that even for chain retail brands, the prices at airport outlets are generally 15% to 18% higher than those at eateries across the city. Sehgal emphasized the need to hire employees or cooks with specific qualifications, such as proficiency in English and compliance with security guidelines, which also leads to increased salaries. These additional expenses, combined with hefty rents, contribute to the overall higher cost of food at airports.
The debate sparked by Sejal Sud's tweet highlights the ongoing discussion around airport food pricing and the choices travelers face when it comes to satisfying their hunger during air travel. While some Delhiites advocate for carrying home-cooked food or getting packed meals from local outlets, others acknowledge the commercial realities that contribute to the higher prices at airports. As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen whether there will be any changes in the pricing policies for airport meals in the future.
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