Liquor Outlet Troubles at Delhi Airport T3
Travelers arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Terminal 3 may find limited liquor options—or none at all—at the only arrival liquor outlet. The store, operated by the Delhi Consumer’s Co-operative Wholesale Store Limited (DCCWS), is facing severe operational issues due to two key reasons:
- Non-renewal of staff terminal passes
- Shortage of liquor stock
This has led to temporary closures, reduced sales, and poor passenger experience at one of the busiest airport terminals in the country.
Temporary Closure Due to Staff Access Issue
Earlier this month, the store was temporarily shut down, with a printed notice outside stating:
“Due to non-renewal of staff passes, the outlet will remain closed until further notice.”
Without terminal passes, store employees could not enter the airport’s secure area, leading to disruption in operations. While the outlet has since reopened, challenges persist.
A DCCWS official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed:
“Due to non-renewal of passes, the staff is not allowed to enter. Sales are also getting impacted due to a shortage of stock.”
Declining Sales Point to Operational Struggles
Data reveals a concerning downward trend in the store’s performance:
- January 2025: ₹3.04 lakh daily sales
- March 2025: ₹3.52 lakh peak
- May 2025: Only ₹2.20 lakh per day
This drop clearly signals unresolved backend issues affecting both service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Why This Outlet Matters for Travelers
The arrivals outlet at T3 is popular among international and domestic passengers who often pick up liquor upon landing. It’s a key convenience offering, especially since Delhi has relatively low prices due to its retail policy.
With the store failing to function optimally, many travelers are caught unaware or left without their brand of choice.
A Brief Background: Store’s Reopening After Two Years
The outlet had previously remained shut for nearly two years following investigations related to the now-scrapped 2021–22 Excise Policy. It was finally reopened under the revised liquor regime as Delhi moved back to a government-controlled model for retail alcohol sales.
What’s Next? Contract Ending Soon
To make matters more uncertain, the outlet’s current contract is set to expire on June 6, 2025. If operational concerns are not resolved quickly, there is a real possibility that the store could shut again—or remain in a non-functional state, affecting both sales and user experience.
Authorities Urge Quick Fix
The airport authorities have already written to DCCWS urging them to:
- Ensure smooth store operations
- Resolve the staff access issue
- Address inventory delays
The goal is to maintain passenger satisfaction and avoid negative publicity for one of the country’s most important international gateways.
FAQs: Liquor Availability at Delhi Airport T
Q1. Why is the liquor store at Terminal 3 not fully operational?
The store is facing issues because many staff members do not have valid airport terminal passes. In addition, there is a shortage of liquor stock, further impacting operations.
Q2. Was the liquor store completely shut down?
Yes, earlier this month the store was temporarily shut. A notice cited staff access problems. It has since reopened but is still functioning at a limited capacity.
Q3. Can travelers still buy liquor at Terminal 3?
Yes, but availability is limited. Many travelers are unable to find their preferred liquor brands due to stock issues.
Q4. Who runs the store?
The outlet is operated by the Delhi Consumer’s Co-operative Wholesale Store Limited (DCCWS), a government-owned retail operator.
Q5. Is there a risk of permanent closure?
Possibly. The current contract expires on June 6, 2025, and if issues persist, the store could shut again or lose its operating license.
Q6. Why is this store important for arriving passengers?
It allows travelers to legally buy liquor at airport retail prices, which are often cheaper and more convenient than city outlets. Its absence could lead to inconvenience and reduced retail choice.