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Special meal service

Special meals are available for infants and children, as well as for passengers who have specific dietary requirements due to health conditions or religious beliefs. All meals are carefully prepared using fresh, natural ingredients that add flavor to your flight.

General information

  • Special meal requests can be made up to 24 hours prior to the flight via our website, mobile app, call center, or sales offices.
  • Miles&Smiles members can manage special meal preferences through their Miles&Smiles accounts. If Miles&Smiles members have opted for special meals in the “Meal Preference” section of their profile, the selected menu will be served, although this may vary depending on the aircraft and/or operational reasons.
  • As we cannot guarantee the absence of allergens on the aircraft, we cannot accept responsibility for any allergic reactions. When booking their flight, passengers with allergies to specific foods can select a suitable special meal from the options available.
  • The meals served on Turkish Airlines’ flights are prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary laws.
  • Menu items offered for the special meal service may vary between Economy and Business Class.

Health-specific choices

Diabetic meal (DBML)




Available for passengers who have diabetes (high blood sugar levels). Our diabetic meals are low in sugar and feature balanced amounts of protein, fat, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Meals contain items such as lean meat and dairy products, skinless poultry, fish and seafood, vegetables, fruits, and whole grain breads and grain products. Fried foods are not included.

Gluten-free meal (GFML)




Available for passengers who have gluten sensitivities. Meals may contain items such as eggs, dairy products, meat, fish, seafood, poultry products, fruits and vegetables, rice, corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes, gluten-free oats, buckwheat, legumes, quinoa, flaxseed, sunflower seeds, liquid oils, solid fats, and products with gluten-free certification. GFMLs may contain trace amounts of gluten and are not suitable for passengers with wheat allergies.

Special meal based on religious dietary requirements

Kosher meal (KSML)




Kosher meals are available for passengers who follow Jewish dietary laws. Our kosher-certified meals are prepared in accordance with kosher standards and carefully packaged, double-sealed, and delivered to passengers upon request.

Jain vegetarian meal (VJML)




Available for passengers who follow Jain dietary principles. Meals/snacks feature Indian sauces and spices, and items such as tofu, legumes, grains, rice, fruits, vegetables. Meals do not contain poultry, meat, fish, seafood, eggs, root vegetables, onions, or dairy products.

Asian Vegetarian Meal (AVML)




Indian-style vegetarian meals are prepared with Indian spices and aromatic flavors; include items such as vegetables, legumes, grains, tofu, dairy products, fresh/dried fruit. Meals do not contain meat or meat products, fish, shellfish, eggs or animal gelatin.

Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal (HNML)




Available for passengers who follow Hindu dietary principles. These Indian-influenced meals are non-vegetarian and may contain lamb, chicken, fish, grains, eggs, milk and dairy products. Meals do not contain veal, beef or beef by-products, or raw/smoked fish.

Special meal options based on dietary preferences

Vegan meal (VGML)




Available for passengers who do not consume animal products. Meals contain high-protein foods such as lentils, tofu, and beans, as well as vegetables, fruits, and nuts rich in iron and calcium. Meals do not contain meat or meat products, fish, poultry, honey, eggs, or dairy products.

Special selections for babies and children

Baby meal (BBML)




Baby food served in glass jars is available for infant passengers under the age of 2, and includes items such as fruit, vegetables, meat puree, and dessert. Baby meals do not contain beef, meat with bones, spicy foods, wheat, gluten, fish, eggs, or acidic fruits. In addition, baby food (liquid or solid) can be brought onboard in containers of up to 100 ml.

Child meal (CHML)




Prepared and served to suit the nutritional needs of children aged 2–12. Meals include items such as carrot sticks, cheese, crackers, finger foods, fresh fruit, and fruit juices. Meals do not contain fish or meat with bones, spicy or sauced dishes, seeds, or hard candy.

Food allergies




Your comfort and safety onboard is at the heart of everything we do. We understand that travelling with a food allergy requires extra care, and make every reasonable effort to support our passengers throughout their journey. However, as aircraft cabins are shared environments and inflight catering involves complex preparation processes, we are unable to guarantee an allergen-free experience on board.

The cabin environment




On all of our flights, foods that may contain nuts and other allergens are served. Other passengers may also bring their own food on board. For this reason, traces of allergens may be present in the cabin air or on surfaces. Unless required by applicable law, inflight announcements regarding passenger allergies are not made.

Our inflight meals




All meals, including special dietary options, are prepared in catering facilities where a wide variety of ingredients some of which may contain allergens are handled. While strict food safety standards are followed, we are unable to guarantee that any meal will be completely free from allergenic traces.

Preparing for your journey




If you have a nut allergy or any other food allergy, we kindly encourage you to plan ahead. Speaking with your doctor before travel can help you prepare a proper allergy action plan. Please ensure that all prescribed medication including epinephrine auto-injectors is carried in your hand luggage, and consider bringing your own food on board, provided it does not require refrigeration, heating, or special handling.

Customers with severe allergies are warmly invited to inform us in advance so that we may offer guidance and take reasonable steps where possible. For further assistance, please contact your local Turkish Airlines office.

Frequently asked questions about special meal requests

When and how can passengers request a special meal? Learn more

You can submit your special meal request up to 24 hours before your flight via Turkish Airlines’ website, mobile app, call center, or sales offices.

What process can be followed for passengers with food allergies? Learn more

If you are allergic to products such as nuts or peanuts, it is important to ensure that you bring your doctor’s report and any necessary medication (e.g., adrenaline auto-injector) in your cabin baggage. We also recommend that you inform the cabin crew about your condition before the flight. You can submit requests for allergen-free menus up to 48 hours before your flight; however, we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment on board.

Are religious dietary options available? Learn more

Under normal circumstances, all meals served on our flights are prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary laws (halal). Our special meal service offers menu options suitable for different religious beliefs. Kosher meals (KSML) are available for Jewish passengers; Hindu meals (HNML) and Jain vegetarian meals (VJML) are also available.

What are the special meal options? Learn more

Special meal alternatives are offered based on health, dietary, or religious requirements. These include diabetic meals (DBML), gluten-free meals (GFML), kosher meals (KSML), Jain vegetarian meals (VJML), Asian vegetarian meals (AVML), Hindu meals (HNML), vegan meals (VGML), baby meals (BBML), and children's meals (CHML).

Do special meal menus vary by cabin class? Learn more

Special meal menus may vary depending on whether you are flying Economy Class or Business Class. In both cabin classes, special meals are prepared in accordance with the same high hygiene and quality standards.

How are special meal requests managed? Learn more

If you are a Miles&Smiles member, you can easily manage your special meal preferences through your membership account. You can select your special meal when booking your flight or update your preferences prior to the flight.

Is there a special meal service for infant and child passengers? Learn more

We offer special meal options aligned with the nutritional needs of infant passengers (under the age of 2) and child passengers between the ages of 2 and 12.