What Are Airport Premises?
Airport premises refer to the stores, restaurants, and food outlets located within an airport terminal. India currently has 137 airports, including 103 domestic airports, 24 international airports, and 10 customs airports. An airport serves as the primary entry and exit point for any country, welcoming a significant number of foreign visitors and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) daily. Therefore, any business intending to operate within airport premises must obtain the necessary legal approvals and licenses.
Operating a business at an airport is highly prestigious and commercially advantageous. Airports serve millions of travelers annually, making them high-traffic locations for any food business. Customers expect high-quality products and diverse food choices that meet strict standards of taste, hygiene, and quality. Hence, airport-based catering and food outlets must uphold exceptional standards to satisfy travelers’ expectations.
Why Is an FSSAI License Necessary for Airport Facilities?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, regulates food safety standards across India. Any business involved in the preparation, processing, handling, packaging, distribution, or sale of food must register with or obtain a license from FSSAI. Operating without a valid FSSAI registration or license is strictly prohibited.
Airports, being critical business hubs that serve food to thousands daily, must ensure that all their food operations comply with FSSAI regulations. This means every food outlet or vendor within airport premises is legally required to have an appropriate FSSAI license or registration.
Getting an FSSAI license not only makes your business compliant with Indian food safety laws but also provides several advantages, including:
- Establishing your airport business as a trustworthy and premium brand.
- Simplifying legal proceedings related to your food business, if any arise.
- Facilitating easier branching out to additional airports and locations.
- Demonstrating commitment to quality and safety to consumers.
- Attracting investors and improving creditworthiness through transparent licensing application.
How to Get FSSAI License for Airport Premises
There are three types of FSSAI licenses available, and the appropriate one depends on the scale and turnover of your food business at the airport:
- Basic FSSAI Registration
- State FSSAI Food License Registration
- Central FSSAI Food License
Basic FSSAI Registration
If your airport food business has an annual turnover of less than Rs. 12 lakhs, you fall under the small-scale category and require only a Basic FSSAI registration. To apply, you must fill out Form A. Once your business turnover crosses Rs. 12 lakhs, you must upgrade your Basic FSSAI registration to a State FSSAI license.
Documents required:
- Proof of address
- Photographs of the applicant
- Business details
- Completed FSSAI registration forms
State FSSAI Food License Registration
If your airport food business’s annual turnover ranges from Rs. 12 lakhs to Rs. 20 crores, you need a State FSSAI Food License. To apply, you must complete Form B and submit the required documentation.
Documents required:
- Proof of business premise ownership or lease agreement
- Proof of identity of the applicant (Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Driver’s License, Passport)
- Certificate of Incorporation, GST Registration, and Trade License
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA)
- Relevant local licenses from municipality, panchayat, or corporations
- Business contact information
- Completed FSSAI registration forms
Central FSSAI Food License Registration
If your airport food business’s annual turnover exceeds Rs. 20 crores, you must apply for a Central FSSAI Food License. Businesses previously holding a State FSSAI license must upgrade to a Central license upon crossing this turnover threshold by filling out Form B.
Documents required:
- Evidence of business premise (lease or ownership documents)
- Applicant’s identity proof (Passport, Voter ID, Driving License, Aadhar Card)
- Certificate of Incorporation, GST Registration, and Trade License
- Import Export Code (if applicable)
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA)
- Relevant licenses from local bodies
- List of shareholders or partners
- Business information and contact details
- Completed FSSAI registration forms
Suggested Read – Fssai Registration Portal“>Complete Guide to FSSAI Registration
Procedure to Get FSSAI Certificate for Airport Premises
- Prepare a detailed business plan focusing on your airport food facility.
- Assess your estimated annual turnover to determine the required FSSAI license category.
- Select the appropriate FSSAI license type (Basic, State, or Central) based on your turnover.
- Complete the application form along with all necessary supporting documents.
- Pay the applicable licensing fee online or offline.
- Submit the application through the official FSSAI portal or authorized centers.
- Carefully review your application to ensure all details are accurate, as incomplete or incorrect information may lead to rejection or cancellation of your FSSAI registration.
- If needed, promptly update and resubmit any corrected forms within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, all food businesses operating within airport premises must obtain a valid FSSAI license as per their turnover and scale to comply with food safety regulations.
You can only opt for Basic FSSAI registration if your annual turnover is below Rs. 12 lakhs. For higher turnover, you need to obtain a State or Central FSSAI license accordingly.
The processing time generally ranges from 7 to 60 days depending on the license type and completeness of the application.
Yes, operating without a valid FSSAI license is illegal and may result in fines, penalties, and even closure of the business by food safety authorities.
Yes, FSSAI provides an online application process for all types of licenses through their official portal.
