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Emirates Redefines Its Onboard Vegan Strategy: Less Ultra-Processed, More Real Food Starting in 2027

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Emirates is redefining one of the most dynamic segments of the onboard experience: vegan cuisine. Moving beyond fleeting trends or industrial solutions, the Dubai-based airline is advancing towards a proposal focused on real, minimally processed foods with culinary identity—a decision that combines health, sustainability, and premium brand positioning.

The announcement, made during Veganuary, confirms that new plant-based culinary concepts are already in development and will begin implementation starting in 2027, marking a clear, long-term roadmap.

From Industrial “Plant-Based” to Authentic Vegetable Cuisine

The philosophy behind the new approach is clear: abandon dependence on ultra-processed meat substitutes and return to the fundamentals of traditional vegetable-based cooking.

According to Doxis Bekris, Vice President of Food & Beverage Design at Emirates, the focus is now on:

These ingredients become “the protagonists of the dish,” not as an artificial meat replacement, but as a natural base for flavor, texture, and nutritional value.

“Instead of replicating meat, we want to draw inspiration from cuisines that have historically been plant-forward, such as Mediterranean mezze, Levantine grain salads, Asian noodle bowls, or African stews,” explains Bekris.

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The message is strategic: less food engineering and more cultural heritage, a narrative that resonates both with conscious travelers and corporate sustainability goals.

Half a Million Vegan Meals a Year: The Numbers Behind the Decision

The decision is not ideological; it is data-driven.

Currently, Emirates:

The growth in vegan consumption directly parallels the increase in passenger volume. A relevant point is that a significant portion of the demand comes from non-vegan passengers, who choose these meals considering them lighter and easier to digest during the flight.

Destinations with the Highest Demand for Vegan Meals

In the past year, the airports with the most orders were:

1. London
2. Sydney
3. Bangkok
4. Melbourne
5. Frankfurt
6. Manchester
7. Mumbai
8. Bali
9. Singapore

Vegan meals can be requested with up to 24 hours’ notice on all flights and classes, and on high-demand routes, they are already part of the regular onboard menu.

A Cross-Category Proposal: Vegan in All Classes

Far from being limited to Economy or specific niches, Emirates has integrated the vegan offering into all cabins, reinforcing its message of gastronomic excellence without exceptions.

Economy Class

Dishes such as:

Notable desserts:

Premium Economy

Options like:

Business Class

More elaborate proposals, for example:

First Class

High-end vegetarian cuisine, with dishes like:

Fine dining-level desserts:

From Farm to Plane

One of the less visible but most relevant pillars is sourcing.

Emirates integrates products from Bustanica, the world’s largest hydroponic vertical farm, operated jointly with Emirates Flight Catering, into its offerings. From there, pesticide- and chemical-free leafy greens such as:

Everything arrives directly at the catering facilities,, reinforcing the farm-to-fork concept, key to the transparency and sustainability narrative.

Vegan Experience Also Extends to VIP Lounges

At Dubai Airport, Emirates operates seven lounges in Terminal 3, with a specially developed vegan offering.

Options include:

The most requested vegan dish in the lounges is the Emirates Green Burger, made with soy and flax seeds, served with an exclusive sauce and pickles.

A Strategic Shift That Goes Beyond the Menu

Emirates’ shift is not merely culinary. It is a strategic decision that combines:

The airline makes it clear that this path is still evolving. The new concepts will arrive only in 2027, a timeline that suggests deep development, operational testing, and global scalability.

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