From now on Air India flights will not have halal food ready for Muslims. If one wants halal food he has to order for halal or 'Muslim food' at the time of ticket booking. Tata Group-owned Air India announced this decision last Sunday.
Air India said in a press release that it will no longer provide halal non-vegetarian meals to Hindu and Sikh passengers. However, any passengers including Muslims can pre-book Halal certified 'Muslim food'.
Earlier, Air India flights had separate meals called 'Hindu Meal' and 'Muslim Meal'. But this approach was criticized as divisive. Although then 'Hindu Mille' also had provision for beef and pork.
Now Air India will no longer serve food based on religion. Passengers can pre-book Halal food (Muslim food) as a special meal on demand. This food will have a special sticker called MOML.
Air India flights now serve non-halal non-vegetarian meals for passengers of all religions as per the new rules. Air India says that they have taken this decision to meet the food needs of all types of passengers.
According to the press release, even if halal meals are pre-booked on other flights, all meals on flights to Saudi Arabia will be certified halal by Saudi Arabia. And these certified halal food will be provided on flights to pilgrims including Jeddah, Dammam, Riyadh, Medina.
Air India's decision has been welcomed by many. Many have said that Air India will be respectful of all religions and cultures and provide alternative meals for all. However, some vegetarian passengers also criticized Air India's decision.
