Vistara to resume its hot vegetarian meals service on domestic flights

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On Thursday, Vistara said it would be resuming its hot vegetarian meals for its domestic economy class passengers replacing the pre-packaged snacks that were being served since May last year due to the Covid-related guidelines. The in-flight meals for all classes on its domestic network which includes economy, premium economy, and business, the airline added. In August last year, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), had permitted airlines to serve or sell pre-packed snacks, beverages, and meals on all domestic flights.

This year, during the second Covid-19 wave in April, the aviation regulator asked airlines to serve meals only on domestic flights with over two hours’ journey.

Vistara on Thursday said that in May last year, the meal service was altered in order to limit the time spent by cabin crew on aisle and its interactions with customers.

The airline said in a statement that the in-flight menu for all classes will be refreshed every three days and will include several options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks that are customer favourites.

Domestic airfares increased by 30-45%

Due to a higher demand, airfares have risen by 30 to 45% on a YoY basis during diwali. The average one way economy class fares on top 10 booked routes including Mumbai to Delhi, Mumbai to Kolkata are 30%  higher YoY, while those on Bangalore to Kolkata and New Delhi to Kolkata routes are 40 and 45% higher YoY, according to data from travel portal Ixigo. However, the Delhi to Patna and Bengaluru to Patna routes were charged 25% lower on a YoY basis.

It said that the availability of large number of trains this year as against the previous year could be the reason behind the falling rates to Patna.

According to the Ixigo, it  has observed an increase in bookings for travellers who are heading home or planning a leisure getaway for Diwali holidays. It further said that, with international destinations easing pandemic restrictions and expects demand for leisure travel to increase further for the new year.