Air India launches revamped global menu

Air India is rolling out a new catering programme spanning Indian regional cuisines, European bistro offerings, and pan-Asian dishes across its fleet.

The menu began service on most international ex-India routes on November 20, with progressive expansion across all international sectors and domestic services.

The initial rollout covers flights from Delhi to London Heathrow, New York, Melbourne, Sydney, Toronto, and Dubai; from Mumbai to San Francisco and New York; and from Bengaluru to New York.

A hand pours brown sauce onto a plated meat dish with vegetables, accompanied by assorted bread, butter, and cutlery on a white tablecloth.

Chef Sandeep Kalra, who recently joined Air India as part of its transformation programme, curated the offering.

Business Class

Business Class offers multi-course gourmet meals with customisable options.

The menu includes South Indian platter selections, Gen Z-focused offerings such as chicken bibimbap and matcha delice, and home-style comfort options including masala dal khichdi and stuffed parantha.

A tray with assorted breakfast items including croissants, bread rolls, fruit salad, dips, butter, chutneys, and a green smoothie, set with cutlery and a napkin.

Seoul flamed prawns, manicotti forestiere, and Mediterranean tapas round out international selections, with curated beverage pairings throughout.

Premium Economy and Economy

Premium Economy receives upgraded meal trays featuring Rajasthani besan chilla, Malabar chicken curry, and Malai palak kofta.

Economy offers balanced, wholesome options with familiar regional flavours and comparable presentation upgrades across the class.

“The new food and beverage enhancements draw inspiration from Air India’s commitment to continuous innovation and transforming the customer experience,” said Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer.

“We are reimagining the inflight dining experience that resonates with the tastes and preferences of global travellers. Our thoughtfully curated menu caters to guests from different cultural affinities who prefer delectable gourmet meals.”

Cabin crew completed specialised training to support the new service rollout and enhance onboard experience across all cabins.

AIR INDIA TO INTRODUCE PAID MEALS?

[dropcap size=small]A[/dropcap]ir India is contemplating the introduction of paid meals for economy class passengers on select routes, this follows an already reduced inflight meal service on domestic flights up to 90 minutes. Air India is facing fierce competition and is looking to increase revenues and reduce costs.

The airline stopped serving hot meals and instead now offers snack boxes on Indian domestic flights with a flight time of up to 90 minutes. The Hindu Business Line reported today that the airline plans to start charging for food served to passengers on short flights of up to 60-90 minutes in duration. At this stage, this is a trial only, and a final decision on whether or not the new system will be introduced should be made in the second half of this year.

The airline’s competitors SpiceJet and Indigo do not provide free meals, and instead offer a buy on board and pre-order meal system for passengers. The prices for the new Air India meals are yet to be determined but should be released by the airline shortly.