Experience Onam-Inspired In-Flight Dining on Select Emirates Routes

DUBAI- Emirates (EK), the official airline of the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled a festive in-flight dining experience to celebrate Onam, the annual harvest festival of Kerala.

This special initiative is available exclusively on flights between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and two popular locations in Kerala—Cochin International Airport (COK) and Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)—from September 2 to September 6.

Emirates Offering Onam Food

Travelers flying on Emirates routes to Kochi and Trivandrum will enjoy a thoughtfully curated selection of traditional Onam dishes.

The menu features beloved starters like sharkara upperi (jaggery-coated banana chips), kaya varuthathu (crispy banana chips), and kondattam mulaku (fried sundried chilies paired with yogurt).

Accompanying these delicacies are classic dips such as kaalan, pachadi, and puli inji, presented on banana leaf dish liners to maintain cultural accuracy. This commitment to using regional ingredients ensures authentic flavors that honor Kerala’s culinary legacy.

Emirates has previously celebrated Onam with similar offerings. Last year, the airline featured special dishes during the festival from September 6 to September 16, catering to travelers on flights to and from Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. At that time, Emirates operated 14 flights weekly to Kochi and seven to Trivandrum.

This seasonal offering highlights Emirates’ dedication to cultural inclusivity and regional passenger engagement.

By integrating traditional Kerala cuisine into its in-flight experience, Emirates aims to elevate the travel journey for passengers heading to and from South India during Onam. Each cabin class on the Boeing 777-300ER features diverse main courses and desserts.

Cabin Class	Main Course	Desserts
Economy Class	Vegetarian Sadhya-style meals	Palada Pradhaman, Parippu Payasam (garnished with roasted coconut & nuts)
Business & First Class	Kerala-style Chicken Curry, Chicken Stew	Palada Pradhaman, Parippu Payasam (garnished with roasted coconut & nuts)

The sweet dishes are crafted using traditional methods to ensure authenticity.

Moreover, Emirates’ award-winning in-flight entertainment system, ice, offers over 6,500 channels. Travelers can access 15 Malayalam-language films, regional music playlists, and Indian television content.

Emirates’ Commitment to Cultural Inclusion

This Onam-themed in-flight experience exemplifies Emirates’ dedication to recognizing and celebrating festivals across regions. By aligning its services with cultural occasions, the airline seeks to enhance brand loyalty among South Indian travelers.

This initiative showcases Emirates’ ability to adapt to seasonal preferences among passengers, integrating cultural relevance into its service offerings.

Emirates also features regionally inspired meals during various celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Oktoberfest, and Easter, aiming to create “thoughtful experiences for all global travelers.”