On-board meal service in flights to resume soon as govt lifts ban

In-flight meals were banned when air transport had resumed on 25 May to counter the spread of the virus

In a significant relaxation, the government has allowed serving of meals on board both domestic and international flights.

Selling on-board meals is a significant source of ancillary revenue for low-cost airlines. This had dried up as in-flight meals were banned to prevent on-board spread of coronavirus when air transport resumed on May 25.

Due to the ban, India’s largest airline IndiGo had seen its ancillary revenues declining by 81.3 per cent in April-June period.

While for domestic flights, only pre-packed snacks and beverages have been allowed, airlines operating international flights can also serve hot meals and liquor. Airlines are undertaking international flights for