An X user recently criticized Vistara Airlines for labeling their in-flight meals as “Hindu” (vegetarian) and “Muslim” (chicken). Aarti Tikoo Singh took to X to express her concerns, accusing the airline of perpetuating stereotypes and linking food choices with religious identities.
She questioned whether Vistara was attempting to associate passengers and food based on religion and sarcastically wondered if they would segregate vegetables and passengers by faith as well.
She wrote,
“Hello @airvistara, why is a vegetarian meal called a ‘Hindu meal’ and a chicken meal called a ‘Muslim meal’ on your flights? Who told you that all Hindus are vegetarian and all Muslims are non-vegetarian? Why are you imposing food choices on people? Who authorized you to do this? Are you going to communalize vegetables, chicken, and passengers too? I was so shocked by this behavior that I booked both meals to defy your categorization,” while sharing a screenshot of her ticket displaying one “Hindu meal” and one “Moslem meal.”
Hello @airvistara, why the hell is vegetarian meal called “Hindu meal” and chicken meal called “Muslim meal” on your flights? Who told you that all Hindus are vegetarian and all Muslims are non-vegetarian? Why are you thrusting food choices on people? Who authorised you to do… pic.twitter.com/46w4avU7Vs
— Aarti Tikoo Singh (@AartiTikoo) August 27, 2024
Her post quickly went viral, garnering numerous comments. Some users supported her view and demanded an explanation from Vistara for the “Hindu” and “Muslim” meal labels. Others provided context, explaining that these meal codes are not unique to Vistara but are standardized across the airline industry.
Social media users clarified that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets these standardized meal codes, which are used industry-wide to streamline meal management and communication among airlines, caterers, and ground staff, ensuring consistency and efficiency in handling passenger meal requests.
One user noted, “Are you traveling after a long time? This classification is not new; international flights have had it too. Instead of writing halal, they use ‘Muslim meal,’ and similarly, ‘Hindu veg meal’ might include onion and garlic, whereas a ‘Jain veg meal’ would not.”
Sanjay Lazar, CEO of Avialaz Consultants, further explained, “In aviation parlance, a Hindu Meal (HNML) is not necessarily vegetarian; it could be a non-veg meal that is not halal. Similarly, a Moslem Meal (MOML) is a non-vegetarian meal that is halal.”
Madam it’s always good to check first !
FYI in general aviation parlance, a Hindu Meal (HNML) is NOT necessarily a Veg meal – it could be a Non Veg meal that is not Halal.
Similarly a Moslem meal (MOML) is a Non Vegetarian meal that is HALAL.
A Vegetarian meal, on the other… pic.twitter.com/kCfHzykliy
— Sanjay Lazar (@sjlazars) August 27, 2024
Sanjiv Kapoor, a seasoned aviation expert and former CEO-designate of Jet Airways, also commented on the issue, stating, “These are standard international meal codes used globally across GDS-based airlines, not just by Vistara. However, IATA or whoever is responsible should consider updating and modernizing these outdated and sometimes puzzling meal codes.”
These are standard international meal codes used globally across GDS-based airlines, not just by Vistara. However I do think IATA or whoever needs to update / modernize these outdated and at times somewhat puzzling meal codes. https://t.co/QLO9BlutZB
— Sanjiv Kapoor (@TheSanjivKapoor) August 27, 2024
