Passengers at Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport are facing inconvenience after all food and beverage shops inside and outside the terminal were shut down due to a major payment dispute. 

The closure follows the expiry of a 15-day notice period issued by the airport administration to the contractor operating the stalls.

According to the report, around 10 to 12 food outlets had been operating under a tender awarded to Manish Food and Beverage. The company reportedly failed to clear dues exceeding ₹7 crore over the past few months. Despite repeated reminders, the outstanding amount remained unpaid, Jagran reported.

In response, the airport authority invoked the contractor’s security deposit to recover part of the dues and terminated the contract, leading to the closure of all operational shops. The move has left passengers without access to food and drink services at one of Uttarakhand’s busiest airports.

Airport authorities said temporary arrangements are being explored. “Until the tendering process is completed, efforts are on to restart at least three to four shops on a short-term basis for the next three months,” an official said, requesting anonymity.

Until then, travelers will have to rely on alternatives outside the airport or carry their own refreshments. The situation has sparked criticism from frequent flyers and local residents, especially given the ongoing tourist season and increasing footfall at the airport.

The airport administration has not issued a public timeline for when full food services will resume but assured that the new tendering process is underway.

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Image Via Dehradun Airport