In November 2024, Air India announced it would no longer serve Halal meat as the default non-vegetarian option on its flights, citing a move toward inclusivity for Hindu and Sikh dietary preferences. Muslim passengers can still request Halal meals.
The decision follows years of advocacy by Hindu and Sikh groups, who objected to Halal as the sole non-vegetarian option. While many in these communities adhere to vegetarianism, others consume non-vegetarian foods but avoid Halal meat due to religious or cultural reasons. Sikhism explicitly prohibits meat from ritual slaughter, and some Hindus also consider Halal meat unsuitable for consumption.
Critics of Halal meat have raised concerns about animal welfare, pointing to the practice of slashing the jugular vein while leaving the spinal cord intact. Hindu and Sikh advocates favour Jhakta slaughter, which involves a swift decapitation. Activists have also argued that the Halal industry is discriminatory, as it restricts employment to Muslims during its production process.