Author: Jaikishan Verma, Senior Research Analyst
20 February 2025
According to a new report by UnivDatos, India InFlight Catering Market is expected to reach USD Million in 2032 by growing at a CAGR of 13.95%. The growing demand for international and domestic air travel in the country has led to the notable growth of India InFlight Catering market.
Air travel demand in India has emerged significantly owing to the growth of a large number of middle-class population. As the country is witnessing a growing income group and high purchasing power the air flight demand both for domestic travel and international travel has extensively increased. Considering these shifts many of the low-cost carrier players have emerged into the Indian market. Furthermore, along with the air travel services, the companies are focusing towards the extension of their services such as added food services to provide a comprehensive customer experience.
According to OAG, the total air passengers in India in 2024 for both domestic air travel and international air travel were 186.4 and 44.36 million which was around 111.96 and 15.52 million in the year 2020. Considering the numbers the demand for air travel in the country has significantly enhanced which would strengthen the demand for air catering services.
Furthermore, as per the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), total 48 airports/airstrips have been constructed between 2014-2024 in India. The construction is in line with the rising air traffic and provide better air connectivity to a large number of passengers. Considering these shifts the air travel in the coming years would further increase and lead to higher demand for catering services in aviation sector during 2024-2032.
The India Inflight Catering Market has a high application in almost all segments of the airline industry, including Airlines, airports, and most importantly in the customers. Since inflight catering services mainly exist to help improve the experience of passengers onboard, they offer a variety of meals, snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to satisfy different types of customers. Airlines, both full-service carriers (FSCs) and low-cost carriers (LCCs), use catering services to satisfy nutritional and dietary needs of the passengers, thus helping in customer satisfaction and retention. In cost-effective low-cost carriers, the focus is on provision of highly affordable yet efficient meal alternatives. On the contrary superior full-service carriers focuses on offering top of the range gourmet meals with premium prices. The other segments that the market encompasses is the increase in the order of specially requested diets such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, and even halal food given the multi-ethnic nature of the Indian population. Other aspects include a rise in the standards of catering to airport lounges and charter flights. As there is an increase in domestic and international air travel in India, so does the growth of the inflight catering market, but more attention is paid on hygiene, packaging, and quality control.
With the passengers’ growing focus for healthier food intake, the catering market tends to offer healthy meals. The increasing fitness culture, food nutrition education, health trends, and teaching have all made it mandatory for the airlines to offer meals of different categories and preferences which include vegan, gluten-free, low carb, and organic meals. Accordingly, these meals contribute to the health of travellers and are in accordance with the ongoing global transformation into healthier meals and more sustainable ways of eating. Instead, to achieve nutritional balance, airlines are incorporating more fresh and locally produced ingredients alongside reducing the amount of processed foods in the meals offered. The other present concern is also that there is growing concern on the improving healthiness of the meals served on board especially with respect to the minimizing of sugar, salt and unhealthy fat content. Faster and healthier alternate forms of meals which are well enhanced nutritionally are also made available for the passengers by the airlines in view of health problems posed by the traveling eaters and the need to enhance quality of services rendered. This development also addresses the needs of a more diverse and health-conscious clientele and further demonstrates the airlines' resolve towards looking after portions of their passengers in a more satisfying manner.
In conclusion, the India InFlight Catering market is poised for continued growth and innovation driven by economic expansion, growing demand for air travel, growing number of food options in flights. As many of customers are looking forward to opt for economical options for domestic and international air travel the inflight catering industry would further thrive. As stakeholders navigate challenges such as cost management, regulatory compliance, and market competitiveness, collaborations, investments in InFlight Catering infrastructure, and rising demand for air travel add-on services which would also play a vital role in shaping the future of the India InFlight Catering market.
Market Size, Trends, & Forecast by Revenue | 2024−2032.
Market Dynamics – Leading Trends, Growth Drivers, Restraints, and Investment Opportunities
Market Segmentation – A detailed analysis By Aircraft Class, By Flight Service type, By Food Type
Competitive Landscape – Top Key Vendors and Other Prominent Vendors
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