Source: Korea Times

Kawaguchiko, Japan – Eastar Jet has become the first Korean low-cost carrier to offer halal-certified food options as part of an expanded in-flight menu designed to accommodate diverse dietary preferences and religious requirements of international travelers.

New Menu Responds to Global Passenger Needs

The airline has launched several new meal choices, including vegetarian dishes featuring plant-based meat ragout with penne pasta and a vegetable-packed hoagie sandwich with carrot ravigote. These options cater to the growing number of passengers seeking meat-free alternatives during their journeys.

Halal Certification for Muslim Passengers

In a significant step toward religious inclusivity, Eastar Jet now offers chicken-flavored halal-certified instant noodles on its flights. This initiative comes alongside the airline’s recent expansion of service to Kazakhstan, where more than 70 percent of the population identifies as Muslim. The airline began operating twice-weekly flights to Almaty on Monday.

Preorder System Ensures Availability

Passengers traveling on international routes can secure these specialized meal options by placing preorders up to 72 hours before their scheduled departure time, ensuring availability during their flights.

Industry Leadership in Inclusive Service

An Eastar Jet spokesperson emphasized the airline’s commitment to inclusivity, stating: “Our goal is to offer more inclusive meal options for diverse travelers. We’re committed to developing in-flight meals that cater to the cultural and dietary preferences of passengers around the world.”

This initiative represents a growing trend among airlines to accommodate various dietary requirements and cultural preferences, reflecting the increasingly diverse nature of global air travel. As the first Korean budget carrier to introduce halal food options, Eastar Jet is positioning itself as a leader in culturally responsive service within the competitive low-cost airline market.

Original Articles:

halaltimes.com. (n.d.). Eastar Jet rolls out preorder vegetarian, Halal in-flight meals. Retrieved April 14, 2025, from https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/companies/20250411/eastar-jet-rolls-out-preorder-vegetarian-halal-in-flight-meals