DIAL to open more food and beverage outlets at airport

“With the advent of low-cost carriers, which do not include meals in the ticket price, the number of passengers eating at airport outlets has gone up substantially. It is important that prices remain reasonable,” Arun Arora, associate vice-president of corporate communications, DIAL, said.

“An important aspect of air travel in India is the many friends and relatives who come to pick or drop passengers at the airport. They are vital to the airport economy and it is important that proper facilities are provided for the visitors,” an industry analyst said.

While IGI Airport already has more than 40 food and beverage outlets, DIAL is planning to open several new such outlets in near future. “These will be a mix of kiosks and take away, sit-down and fine dining restaurants, and will cater to all palettes and wallets,” the official said.

“Reputed companies with extensive experience in running food and beverage outlets, especially in an airport environment, are expected to apply for this contract. The applicants must be reputed brand owners, brand franchisers or franchisees having multiple food and beverage concepts, with at least five years of continuous experience in setting up, operating and maintaining innovative outlets in India or abroad,” a senior official said.

Major names like McDonalds, Subway, Nirulas, Yo China, Café Coffee Day and Costa Coffee, along with fine dining restaurants operated by India’s leading hotel chains, the Welcome Group and Ashoka Hotels, are already present at the airport.

The new Terminal 1-D will have a capacity to handle on crore passengers per annum. The new building will be a two-level structure, where passengers will check-in at the upper level and proceed to the security hold area. The check-in process will be streamlined with the induction of an advanced in-line baggage handling system. This system will not only make check-in faster for passengers but make it more secure and efficient.