Work Underway to Turn Scrapped Air India Plane Into Restaurant

An Innovative Dining Concept Takes Flight in Butibori, Nagpur

airplane restaurant Butibori | Haldiram aircraft restaurant: In a groundbreaking fusion of aviation and gastronomy, a decommissioned Air India aircraft is being transformed into a full-scale theme restaurant (Air India plane restaurant Nagpur) in Butibori, Nagpur. This visionary project, spearheaded by the renowned Haldiram’s Group, is captivating attention across Maharashtra and beyond.

Situated in the industrial zone of Butibori, this airplane-turned-restaurant is poised to become a unique culinary landmark, offering diners the sensation of flying without leaving the ground.

From Skies to Plates: The Story Behind the Airplane Restaurant | Haldiram aircraft restaurant

The aircraft, once a proud part of Air India’s fleet, has been carefully transported and grounded in Butibori. Rather than allowing the plane to corrode in a junkyard, the visionaries behind this project have decided to breathe new life into it, offering an immersive aviation-themed dining experience that is both nostalgic and futuristic.

Construction officially began in early 2025 but experienced temporary delays due to monsoon rains. With clear skies ahead, work has resumed, and the transformation is now in full throttle.

Inside the Aircraft: A Cabin-Inspired Culinary Experience

The restaurant interior is set to replicate an actual airplane cabin, complete with:

• Authentic aircraft seating arrangements

• Overhead baggage compartments

• Runway-style entrance decor

• Flight attendant-style service presentation

• Cockpit-themed photo zones

Every design detail is meticulously planned to create an environment that mirrors an in-flight experience, making the venue ideal for aviation enthusiasts, families, and tourists looking for something extraordinary.

Haldiram’s Vision: Reinventing Hospitality in Nagpur

Haldiram’s, a household name in India’s food and snack industry, is the driving force behind this initiative. Known for innovation and quality, the company aims to merge entertainment with dining, setting a new benchmark in themed restaurant experiences in central India.

The Butibori aircraft restaurant is part of Haldiram’s broader strategy to diversify its hospitality portfolio, engaging customers in unconventional dining environments while preserving their signature quality in food.

Economic and Social Impact on Butibori and Nagpur

The project isn’t just about food and aesthetics. It’s also a catalyst for:

• Employment generation in the Butibori area

• Local tourism boost, drawing visitors from across Nagpur and neighboring regions

• Urban development, positioning Butibori as more than an industrial hub

• Inspiration for similar repurposing projects across India

Local authorities and community leaders have welcomed the initiative, viewing it as a progressive step towards sustainable urban development through creative reuse of non-operational assets.

Global Trend, Local Flavor: Joining the Ranks of Airplane Restaurants Worldwide

Aircraft-themed restaurants have been successful in various parts of the world including:

• Airplane Restaurant in Colorado, USA

• A380 In-Flight Kitchen in Taipei, Taiwan

• Hawai Adda in Ludhiana, India

But what sets the Nagpur aircraft restaurant apart is its strategic backing by Haldiram’s, the integration of authentic Indian cuisine, and the location’s accessibility within an industrial and commercial ecosystem.

A Dining Experience Unlike Any Other | Air India plane restaurant Nagpur | Haldiram aircraft restaurant

Dining in an airplane usually comes with cramped space and questionable food. This restaurant flips the narrative, offering:

• Spacious and customized interiors

• Curated multi-cuisine menus

• Local favorites and Haldiram specials

• Thematic lighting and ambient sounds of a real flight

Guests can book seats as they would on a flight—aisle or window—and enjoy a meal served by staff dressed as cabin crew, further enriching the immersive feel.

Projected Opening Date and Visitor Expectations

With construction now back on schedule, the restaurant is expected to open its doors to the public by late 2025. The buzz surrounding the project indicates:

• High footfall from Nagpur and adjoining cities

• Tour packages being curated by local travel operators

• Social media campaigns already underway to build anticipation

Families, school groups, corporate teams, and aviation lovers will soon have a novel reason to visit Butibori beyond its industrial estates.

Safety, Sustainability, and Structural Innovation

Turning an aircraft into a building comes with challenges, all of which are being addressed by:

• Structural engineers ensuring safe foundation and cabin reinforcement

• Environmental planners focused on green building practices

• Use of recycled materials, contributing to the sustainability of the project

This eco-conscious design stands as a testament to how creativity and sustainability can co-exist in India’s evolving hospitality sector.

Butibori’s Wings of Transformation

The transformation of a retired Air India plane into a luxury dining destination is more than a trend—it’s a symbol of how innovation, nostalgia, and entrepreneurship can come together to redefine regional tourism and dining culture.

As we await its grand opening, it’s clear that the Butibori airplane restaurant will not only serve food—it will serve memories, excitement, and a brand-new identity for Nagpur’s outskirts.