From South Indian Food To Speciality Coffee: Report Reveals What Travellers Are Eating At Indian Airports

Airports today are no longer just transit points - they have transformed into bustling hubs where food, drinks and retail experiences are central to the journey. For many travellers, grabbing a cup of coffee or a familiar meal before their flight is the first moment of comfort in an otherwise fast-paced environment. A new study by IRHPL, a travel retail organisation, sheds light on how India's airports are shaping their dining landscapes and what passengers really want when it comes to food and beverages.

South Indian Food Is The Most Popular Airport Food Choice

According to the IRHPL insights, South Indian cuisine tops the charts across airports in India, followed closely by North Indian dishes. The study reveals that both domestic and international travellers gravitate towards Indian regional flavours more than global trends.

Grab-And-Go Options Take Priority

Speed and convenience are crucial for most travellers at the airport. The report highlights that 50-60% of airport F&B spending goes to quick grab-and-go options, while sit-down dining accounts for only 25-35%. In response, airport operators are increasingly investing in quick-service counters, kiosks and pre-packaged meals to serve passengers who are pressed for time but still seek quality food.

Beverages Are Driving The Bulk Of F&B Sales At Airports 

Perhaps the most surprising revelation is the dominance of beverages. Nearly 70% of all F&B revenue at airports comes from drinks - ranging from coffee and juices to alcoholic beverages. Speciality drinks like craft coffee and premium bar offerings contribute 10-15% of sales. Premium lounges and high-dwell areas are especially strong performers, making beverages a major revenue driver for airport outlets.

Balancing Premium Pricing And Value

While airports are premium environments where travellers expect to pay a little extra for convenience, the study notes that price sensitivity remains a factor. Travellers are willing to spend slightly more for quality meals and drinks, but operators are being careful to balance affordability with premium experiences.

Airports As Evolving Culinary Destinations

The report makes it clear that airports are steadily becoming an important culinary destination for travellers. By focusing on regional cuisines, quick-service formats and beverage-led sales, operators are reshaping airport dining to match the needs of both short-dwell passengers and premium travellers. As India's aviation sector grows, understanding these dining trends will be key to creating memorable and profitable F&B experiences.