Air India Express Serves Traditional Onam Sadhya on Gulf Flights

Kerala’s biggest celebration is about to take to the clouds. Air India Express announced that, for the first two weeks of August, every flight linking the state’s four airports with the Gulf will carry a specially prepared Onam sadhya.

If you’re planning to be in Dubai, Doha, Muscat or any of the other Gulf hubs, you can now order the feast up to 18 hours before you board – either through the airline’s website or its mobile app. The price is a modest ₹500, which covers everything from the classic matta rice and nei parippu to the sweet finish of palada pradhaman.

The menu reads like a nostalgic family gathering: matta rice, nei parippu, thoran, erissery, avial, kootu curry, sambar, injipuli, mango pickle, banana chips, sharkara varatti and the ever‑delectable palada pradhaman. Each meal is presented in a custom‑designed pack edged with a kasavu‑style border, giving it that unmistakable Kerala touch.

Kerala’s Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunath, who unveiled the offering, said it’s “a wonderful way to showcase our culture beyond the shores.” Sunil Suresh, head of Marketing, E‑commerce and Loyalty for the Air India Group, was also on hand, noting that this isn’t the airline’s first culinary experiment – a similar sadhya flew last year.

With roughly 2,850 flights a month originating from Kerala, about 70 % of which head to Gulf destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Riyadh and Sharjah, the initiative reaches a huge crowd of expatriates yearning for a taste of home.

So, whether you’re heading back to see family or jetting off for work, you can now enjoy the full festive spread at 30,000 feet. Just remember to book ahead – the seats (and the platters) fill up fast.