By News18

Copyright news18

Healthy eating tips are usually expected from doctors, nutritionists or lifestyle experts. But this time, they came from Chennai International Airport, officially known as Madras International Meenambakkam Airport (MAA). What was meant to be a simple post about eating fruits and choosing seasonal produce soon turned into a talking point online.
The airport’s official X (formerly Twitter) account in a post encouraged travellers to keep their meals fresh and sattvic (a Sanskrit term that means pure, positive, and beneficial) by linking it to Ayurveda. While some may have found the message harmless, others felt an airport had no business handing out diet tips.
Chennai International Airport’s Health Tips
“Eat fresh, eat seasonal. Ayurveda emphasizes that fruits consumed in the right season are easy to digest and full of prana (life energy),” Chennai (MAA) Airport wrote.

Eat fresh, eat seasonal. Ayurveda emphasizes that fruits consumed in the right season are easy to digest and full of prana (life energy).
— Chennai (MAA) Airport (@aaichnairport) September 23, 2025

It followed this up with another suggestion, stating, “Instead of processed breakfasts, choose local fruits that provide natural vitamins, fiber, and hydration. Simple, sattvic food = strong immunity and a clear mind.”

Instead of processed breakfasts, choose local fruits that provide natural vitamins, fiber, and hydration. Simple, sattvic food = strong immunity and a clear mind.#AyurvedaDay2025 #AyurvedaForPeopleAndPlanet #AyurvedaDay @AAI_Official | @MoCA_GoI | @moayush pic.twitter.com/VpHY4HdXHY
— Chennai (MAA) Airport (@aaichnairport) September 23, 2025

Food Author’s Reacts: ‘Fix Cab Pick-Up Point First’
The airport’s intention seemed to be positive. But it drew criticism from Krish Ashok, author of Masala Lab, a book that explores the science behind Indian cooking.
He shared a screenshot of the airport’s post on his Instagram Stories and wrote, “Eating fresh, seasonal fruit is a great idea. But fruits are filled with fiber, antioxidants and sugar (not prana). Also, pls fix the cab pick-up point situation. It is currently causing more indigestion than out of season fruit.”
His comment directly challenged the use of the word “prana” and also highlighted the airport’s infrastructure issues.
Health Tips Didn’t Fly Well With Social Media
Not only Krish, other social media users also pointed out issues they believe the airport should be focusing on instead of sharing health tips.
One user commented, “Focus on your responsibilities and work efficiently; there’s much to improve in your sector.”
Another wrote, “You should first start providing water at all terminals.”
Someone added sharply, “Stay in your lane – or in your case in your runway please. Leave the health advice to people who actually know something about it.”
“When you ask AAI to modernise Chennai’s airport on par with private airports like BLR and HYD, they become dietician and give us a diet plan,” a person remarked.
“Probably they recruited a doctor to operate an airport!” an individual joked while another joked, “Surprise, when Chennai airport changed as ayurveda hospital !!!”
Other comments included, “Better concentrate on your work rather advising people,” “Are you running airport or fruit stall?” and “Except maintaining a decent airport, Chennai (MMA) Airport is doing all other clown shows.”
Seeing the response on airport’s post, one thing is clear: travellers expect better services before wellness advice.