As part of the merger with the company Vistara | Air India restricts the choice of halal food on certain routes Full details

Tata-owned Air India (AI) has announced that it will offer halal meals — often labeled as “Muslim Meals” (MOML) — only on certain select routes, including to Saudi Arabia and the Haj pilgrimage. The change comes as AI merges operations with Vistara, another Tata Group airline, as part of a service optimization strategy.

In an internal circular issued on November 10, AI issued new guidelines requiring halal-certified food on flights bound for Saudi Arabia. The airline will provide halal food certificates on routes to Jeddah, Dammam, Riyadh, Medinaand all Haj flights. For passengers on other routes, standard AI meal options will be available, but only upon prior reservation.

The circular also states that pre-ordered meals with MOML stickers will be treated as special meals and Halal certification will be provided for these meals. The change is part of a broader move by AI to standardize food services following its merger with Vistara.

A transition aimed at improving service efficiency

An AI representative explained The Times of India that the airline has historically offered its passengers a variety of meals. The recent requirement to pre-book meals is intended to improve service efficiency, especially as the airline prepares to operate under a single brand following its merger with Vistara.

Last week, AI also announced key management changes to manage the merger. “Four in the last two years Tata Airlines worked hard to prepare and execute one of the most complex mergers in aviation history.” —Campbell Wilson, CEO and COO Air Indiasaid

“As we near the end of this process, we are pleased to formalize the Group’s leadership, which includes colleagues from all four legacy airlines, to lead the next phase of our journey,” he added.

Tata Group’s consolidation of Air India and Vistara is aimed at strengthening its position in the competitive Indian aviation market, dominated by budget carrier IndiGo. With this merger, Air India created a larger, more unified national airline.