In a cost-cutting move, loss-laden Air India has stopped serving non vegetarian meals to economy class passengers of its domestic flights. However, budget flyers on AI's international flights will continue getting non-veg food. "We implemented this move about two weeks back. It is expected to save us Rs 7-8 crore annually," said a senior official.

AI spokesman GP Rao said, "Air India has taken conscious decision not to have non vegetarian meal in economy class on its domestic flights to reduce wastage, reduce cost and improve catering service."

The airline also says having only-veg in economy class will avoid mix-ups and that vegetarian meals are more in demand.

The move comes as AI's debt burden of over Rs 52,000 crore and mounting losses have led the government to decide to sell it off. IndiGo has already given a formal expression of interest to buy the international operations of AI and AI Express.


Representational image.