With the festive spirit of Onam in the air, Air India Express has announced a special in-flight offering: a traditional Onam Sadya meal available on select international routes. Passengers travelling between 24 August and 6 September can pre-book this festive vegetarian feast for ₹500 as part of the airline’s 'Gourmair' menu.

The Sadya will be served on flights to and from Kochi, Kannur, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, and Mangaluru, including services connecting these Indian cities with destinations in the UAE. Passengers are required to reserve the meal at least 18 hours before departure.

The Onam Sadya, rooted deeply in Kerala’s culture, is a lavish vegetarian spread typically served on a banana leaf. The airline’s version includes Kerala Matta rice, Parippu, Sambar, Avial, Kootu curry, Erissery, Thoran, Inji Puli, mango pickle, banana chips, Sharkara Varatti, and the iconic dessert Palada Pradhaman.

Highlighting the festive significance, Air India Express said the initiative aims to bring a taste of Kerala’s cultural heritage to the skies, allowing passengers to experience the essence of Onam even while travelling.

Celebrating Onam

Onam is Kerala’s biggest festival, marking the return of the legendary King Mahabali and the end of the harvest season in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August–September). The ten-day celebration features Pookalam (floral rangoli), Vallam Kali (snake boat races), Pulikali (tiger dance), and various traditional art forms, games, and feasts. The Onam Sadya is central to the celebration, symbolising abundance, community, and togetherness.

In a tribute to Kerala’s culture, Air India Express also recently introduced a new Boeing aircraft—VT-BXM—adorned with tail art inspired by the traditional Kasavu fabric, known for its signature golden border.

Passengers interested in experiencing the Onam Sadya on board can pre-book the meal via the airline’s website or app as part of their ticketing process.