India’s aviation sector is growing fast, but the debate around in-flight food quality has once again made headlines. A recent post by Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has sparked a nationwide discussion after she called an IndiGo premium meal “tasteless.” The airline later responded with a polite clarification, but the controversy has already gone viral.
CEO Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Criticises IndiGo’s Premium Meal
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, one of India’s most respected business leaders, shared her disappointment with IndiGo’s premium business-class meal on social media.
She posted a photo of the meal she received under IndiGo’s “Stretch” premium service and said that the food did not match the “gourmet” label. She also tagged both IndiGo and its catering partner Oberoi Hotels, pointing out that the presentation and taste did not feel premium at all.
Her review immediately caught public attention because airlines usually promote their premium meals as “restaurant-style experiences.” But Shaw’s comment highlighted a growing gap between advertisements and actual service.
Why Her Post Triggered a Larger Debate
Her complaint touched a nerve because many frequent flyers have noticed that food quality in Indian airlines has gone down in recent years.
Passengers often feel that:
- Meals look fancy in the menu but taste average
- Airlines charge high prices but deliver low-quality food
- Premium passengers expect better hospitality than what they get
This is why Shaw’s criticism quickly became viral, with many people sharing similar experiences.
IndiGo Issues a Polite and Professional Reply
After the post went viral, IndiGo responded with a calm and respectful message. They thanked Shaw for her feedback, acknowledged her concerns, and promised to work closely with Oberoi Hotels to improve the menu.
IndiGo also said they were glad she enjoyed other parts of the premium service and assured that such feedback helps them upgrade their offerings.
This response showed IndiGo’s customer-focused approach, although many netizens felt it sounded like a “standard customer-care reply.”
Social Media Reactions: Mixed but Strong
The online reaction was sharp and divided:
- Some users supported Shaw, saying airline food quality has truly dropped.
- Others felt expecting “true gourmet food” on a flight was unrealistic.
- Many mocked the airline’s reply, calling it “AI-generated.”
- A few people defended IndiGo, saying the airline has improved overall service apart from food.
This mix of emotions reflects how sensitive Indian consumers have become about service quality, especially when paying premium prices.
What This Incident Says About Airline Promises
The controversy has raised an important question:
Are airlines promising too much and delivering too little?
Most airlines advertise premium dining with hotel-like experiences. But tight schedules, limited space, mass production, and cost-cutting make it difficult to offer true gourmet cooking in the air.
Many travellers now believe:
- Airlines should focus on simple, tasty food rather than fancy names.
- Partnership with luxury hotels should reflect in quality, not just branding.
- Customer feedback should be taken seriously instead of following scripted responses.
This incident may push airlines to rethink how they design premium menus.
Conclusion
The IndiGo–Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw controversy has once again highlighted the gap between expectations and reality in in-flight meals. While the airline responded politely, the discussion shows that passengers today want greater honesty, better food standards, and improved overall travel experience. As Indian aviation continues to grow, airlines must balance affordability with quality to maintain customer trust.
FAQs
What did the CEO complain about?
She said the premium in-flight meal served on IndiGo’s Stretch service was tasteless and did not match the “gourmet” label.
How did IndiGo respond?
IndiGo thanked her for the feedback and said they would work with Oberoi Hotels to improve the food quality.
Why did the post go viral?
Many passengers agreed with her experience, which sparked a larger debate about declining airline food standards.
Do Indian airlines serve gourmet food?
Airlines promote gourmet-style menus, but actual taste and quality vary. Many passengers feel the food is average despite premium pricing.
Will this incident impact IndiGo?
It may push the airline to review its premium menu and quality checks, especially after the public discussion.