AI circular on hot vegetarian meals causes row

A misunderstanding about a recent Air India (AI) circular notifying a slight change in its on-flight food menu for short-duration flight has led to a controversy.

The national carrier, as a new year gift, decided to offer hot snacks instead of cold food to its economy-class passengers but it was misreported as the AI dropping non-vegetarian option from its menu when it was never offered in flights up to 90 minutes.

The circular issued by the AI on December 23 said: “It has been decided to provide all Indian vegetarian hot meals in economy class on domestic sector flights between 61-90 minutes duration effective 1st January. There will be no tea or coffee service in lunch/dinner flight.”

It was issued by Air India’s General Manager (Cabin Crew) D X Pais.

But the interpretation of the circular in the media led to strong reactions on the social media. Even former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah said in a tweet: “I am trying hard to understand the logic behind this decision but I’m really struggling.”

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma  clarified saying the issue had been misinterpreted. He later told reporters that instead of cold snacks in short-duration flights, the airline decided to upgrade its food and offered hot meals.

“On Air India’s short-duration flights, those between 60 and 90 minutes, snacks such as sandwiches and cakes were served. We received a lot of suggestions and complaints to serve hot meals during winter. So the same has been upgraded. Non-vegetarian food was not served earlier. We have just upgraded the snacks. This has been misinterpreted,” said Sharma.