For many Malayalis living in the Gulf, Onam often comes with a familiar feeling, a longing for home, family gatherings, and the unforgettable aroma of a traditional sadya served on a banana leaf.

This year, Air India Express is adding a little extra warmth to that journey by bringing the spirit of Onam on board. Passengers travelling between Kerala and West Asia from August 15 to August 31 can enjoy a specially curated Onasadya, making the flight feel a little more like home.

The festive meal was launched in Thiruvananthapuram by P. C. Vishnunadh, Kerala's Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinema, in the presence of Sunil Suresh, Head of Marketing, E-commerce and Loyalty at the Air India Group.

More than just an airline meal

An Onasadya is never just about food. It is a celebration of togetherness, gratitude and cherished traditions passed down through generations.

Air India Express has tried to capture that feeling by serving the meal on a banana leaf, packed in elegant Kasavu-inspired packaging that reflects Kerala's iconic golden-bordered handloom tradition. From the moment passengers open the meal, it is meant to evoke memories of festive lunches shared with loved ones back home.

The flavours of a traditional feast

Priced at ₹500, the meal includes many of the dishes that make an Onam feast so special.

Passengers can enjoy Matta Rice, Parippu, Sambar, Avial, Koottu Curry, Erissery, Thoran, Mango Pickle, Inji Puli, Banana Chips, Sharkara Varatti, and finish the meal with the much-loved Palada Pradhaman.

The meal can be pre-booked through the airline's website or mobile app up to 18 hours before departure.

A small piece of Kerala in the sky

Speaking at the launch, Minister P. C. Vishnunadh, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinema, Government of Kerala, said Onam is one of Kerala's most cherished festivals, representing togetherness, gratitude and cultural pride. He said initiatives like serving Onasadya on board help carry Kerala's rich culinary traditions and warm hospitality beyond its borders.

Sunil Suresh, Head-Marketing, E-commerce, and Loyalty, Air India group said Kerala occupies a special place in Air India Express' network and that the airline wanted to celebrate the festival with the large Malayali community travelling between Kerala and West Asia.

A meaningful gesture for Gulf travellers

Every year, thousands of Malayalis travel between Kerala and Gulf countries during the Onam season. Some fly home to celebrate with their families, while others return to work carrying memories of a festival spent with loved ones.

Air India Express currently operates around 2,850 flights every month from Kerala's four international airports namely Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode and Kannur. Nearly 70% of these flights connect the state with 13 destinations across West Asia, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Muscat, Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.

For many of these travellers, the Onasadya is more than an in-flight meal. It is a comforting reminder that no matter how high the aircraft flies or how far home may be, some traditions can travel with you.

And somewhere above the clouds, as a banana leaf unfolds and the familiar flavours of Kerala come together, the journey home might just feel a little more festive.