National carrier Air India on Saturday denied reports that it has taken off non-vegetarian food from the menu for economy class passengers on flights up to 90 minutes duration, after reports about such a decision created an uproar on social media.
Citing a circular dated December 23, some reports had also said the airline has decided to strike off both tea and coffee from its lunch and dinner menu starting January 1.
Air India officials, however, said that the airline never served non-vegetarian meals on short duration flights.
"Non-veg food was not being given earlier, only veg snacks were being given. We have replaced that with hot vegetarian meals, which I think is a major improvement, for which our catering team deserves appreciation. Non-veg meals are being served in more than 90 minutes flights. I really failed to understand what is the issue...it is not clear," Air India chairman Ashwani Lohani said.
He said only cold snacks were served on short duration flights and that has now been ‘upgraded’ to hot vegetarian meals.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma also said that ‘there is no change in the previous system, only upgradation has been done’.
"Apart from snacks, some hot food has been started. There is no controversy of vegetarian and non-vegetarian. We have started offering hot food considering it is winter," the minister said.
"In the long duration flights, the system of veg and non-veg will remain same," he added.
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