Air India has made some changes in its meal options offered to air passengers. According to the official circular released by Air India, the passengers will now have to pre-book their meals and the halal certificate will now only be issued for “Muslim meal” (MOML) which will be refereed as a special meal. Meanwhile, AI also stated that all meals in select regions like Saudi including Jeddah, Dammam, Riyadh, Medina sectors, and Haj flights will have all halal meals.
In an internal circular issued this month AI says: ” Pre-booked meal labelled with MOML sticker is to be treated s a special meal. Halal certificate will be provided only for uplifted MOML meal. All meals on Saudi sectors will be halal and halal certificate will be provided on Jeddah, Dammam, Riyadh, Medina sectors, including Haj flights.”
In order to satisfy the test and preference of different types of people from various communities, Air India offers multiple meal options like Muslim Meal, Hindu Meal, Jain Meal, Kosher Meal, Vegan Meal, and more.
However, it received criticism for naming them as per religion rather than dietary preferences. Now, the AI has decided to replaces the name Muslim Meal with Special Meal, which is prepared according to Muslim dietary requirements in a Halal-certified kitchen. Pre-booked meals formerly labelled with the MOML (Muslim Meal) sticker will now be referred to as Special Meal (SPML), denoting a Halal-certified option.
Air India offers various meal choices, including Diabetic Meal, Gluten-Free Meal, Fruit Platter, Non-Vegetarian Meal, Asian Vegetarian Meal, Vegan Meal, Jain Meal, Kosher Meal, Hindu Meal, and Baby Meal.
While Air India also does not serve beef or pork, nor does it use these meats or their by-products in any dish.