Emirates has significantly broadened its vegan offering, telling passengers the carrier now rotates close to 500 plant-based recipes across its network as it responds to growing demand for meat-free options. According to an Emirates media release, that figure covers services to roughly 140 destinations and represents a marked increase in the airline’s vegan repertoire.

The expansion comes on the back of a rapid programme of menu development that the airline says has boosted the number of vegan dishes by around 60% since 2024. Emirates described the move as part of a longer-term strategy to embed plant-based choices across cabin classes rather than treat them as an afterthought.

Company chefs are said to be prioritising plant-forward preparations over direct meat substitutes, developing recipes that lean on whole ingredients and regional culinary traditions. Emirates’ communications emphasise a shift toward dishes that highlight vegetables, grains, legumes and spices rather than attempting to replicate animal proteins.

“It’s about transparency for our customers who want to know what they’re eating, as well as have confidence that it’s good for them and the planet,” said Doxis Bekris, Emirates vice president of food and beverage design, in the airline’s statement. “We want to shift from substitutes to a celebration of plants, where it’s not about what’s missing, but instead what is gained in authenticity, flavor, and creativity.”

Emirates reports that London generates the highest demand for vegan meals, with other strong markets including Manchester, Sydney, Melbourne, Frankfurt, Singapore, Mumbai and Bali. The carrier has previously linked rising passenger interest in plant-based eating to broader consumer trends in several regions.

Examples of the menus underline the approach: economy offerings are refreshed frequently and have included items such as pumpkin frittatas, spinach cannelloni, multicoloured quinoa with caramelised pear and barley risotto with mushrooms, while business and first-class dishes have featured braised mushrooms, tofu jalfrezi, shiitake ravioli, and pumpkin and barley risotto. Desserts and regionally inspired sweets are also being adapted to vegan recipes.

Emirates says vegan meals can be requested in advance , up to 24 hours before departure , and are increasingly appearing as standard choices on high-demand routes and in airport lounges. The carrier’s earlier reporting noted substantial growth in plant-based service: in 2023 it served hundreds of thousands of plant-based meals and logged elevated consumption during campaigns such as Veganuary. Emirates has also stressed that its vegan meal specification excludes all animal products and by-products.