And it seems to be a vicious cycle. While the Airport Authority of India (AAI) is still seeking takers for the existing restaurant premises, hoteliers in the city remain wary of a business proposition that promises few clients, let alone profit. With six flights a day and a maximum of 1,000 passengers, there's little scope to make the profits.

There is, however, an alternative thrown up by one hotel in the city: Opening the restaurant to members of the public, whether visitors to the airport or not. This way, said Ashwin Gandhi, Director, Express Hotel, the restaurant can thrive simply because there's no competition in the vicinity.When contacted, Aerodrome Officer N K Sinha refused to comment on the proposal.

At present, passengers and visitors desiring a cup of tea or coffee or a light snack make do with the staff canteen outside, originally meant to cater to 70-odd airport employees.

City hoteliers agree that a functional restaurant with restricted entry would not be viable. The existing flight schedule means that few passengers would need to visit it. Only visitors need avail of the facility, but they are barred entry into the premises ``for security reasons''.

For Express, not wanting to operate the restaurant under the present circumstances is a case of once bitten, twice shy. Gandhi blames the lack of foresight in planning the new building for the predicament. Entry to the airport restaurant is through a stairway in the passenger lounge, located exactly opposite to the security check area.

``Even the Santacruz airport restaurant at Mumbai is open to all; here, visitors simply have no access to the restaurant. Even if access is given, the kitchen size is too small to cater to the restaurant's 200-table capacity. Also, the kitchen lacks basic facilities including an exhaust and a water outlet,'' he said.

A one-time applicant to the deal, the Welcomgroup, Vadodara, also expresses reservations over trying again. Sales Manager Rajesh Sen said, ``We are not confident about getting adequate customers unless outsiders are let into the premises or there are some changes in the flight timings''.

AAI officials say that new tenders would be floated by next month. ``The AAI is also considering limiting, if not restricting, entry to visitors. Details about connecting the visitors lounge and the restaurant are also being worked out,'' said one official.

One restaurant owner, requesting anonymity, also expressed displeasure about the AAI's decision to fix a ceiling on the menu prices. ``First they want a hotel with a standing in the city. Then they expect us to charge a pittance for the food. No one is saying that the charges should be equivalent to what is printed on our restaurant menu, but they should be reasonable. How can I charge Rs 10 for a sandwich that costs me Rs 25 to make?'' he reasons.

AAI officials, however, dismissed the charge as unfair. ``The menu prices are stated at the time of floating the tender. If the hoteliers feel that it is unreasonable, they should not bid''.