Pune on My Plate: Dine Inside a Retired Air India Plane at This Viral Highway Eatery

If you are driving along the Pune–Satara highway near Khed-Shivapur, it is impossible to miss the majestic sight of an Air India aircraft grounded in the middle of a field. This isn’t an emergency landing, but rather Brownstone Air Dine, a unique restaurant that has quickly become a viral sensation. As the tenth venture of its kind in India, the restaurant is part of a growing trend where auctioned aircraft are converted into creative, experiential dining spaces for travelers.

The project is the brainchild of 38-year-old Milind Shinde, a pharmacy student and the son of a local farmer. Inspired by similar air-themed eateries in cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, Shinde purchased the plane in 2023 and spent two years customizing the interior. The restaurant officially opened in late 2025 and features a specially designed cabin that seats 75 guests, complete with bright lighting, indoor gardens, and dedicated photo spots for visitors.

The restaurant follows a strictly vegetarian menu, with a special focus on Jain and Rajasthani flavors prepared by expert chefs. To stay true to the aviation theme, the menu is laid out like an airport map, using creative titles like ‘Kheton Ki Hariyali’ for starters and ‘Chalte Chalte’ for beverages. Popular items include Paneer Lababdar, Singapuri Fried Rice, and a variety of unique milkshakes, such as dragon fruit and Oreo flavors.

Despite early challenges with massive crowds, the restaurant has expanded its service to include an outdoor dining area and recreational spaces for children. The venture has also boosted the local economy by providing jobs and renting out shop spaces to residents of the Khed-Shivapur area. As highway tourism toward southern Maharashtra continues to grow, Shinde plans to expand the menu and introduce even more themed experiences for families looking for a unique place to relax.