Europe In-Flight Catering Market Insights Forecasts to 2033

• The Europe In-Flight Catering Market Size was valued at USD 3.631 Billion in 2023.
• The Market is Growing at a CAGR of 7.29% from 2023 to 2033
• The Europe In-Flight Catering Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 7.34 Billion by 2033

The Europe In-Flight Catering Market is Anticipated to Reach USD 7.34 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.29% from 2023 to 2033.

Market Overview

The inflight catering industry in Europe focuses on serving food and beverages to passengers on airlines, preparing, packaging, and delivering meals, snacks, and drinks onboard flights for various types of airlines. The industry also partners with airlines, caterers, and airports to ensure prompt delivery. The growth of the inflight catering market in Europe is driven by the demand for customized and varied food options, as well as the growing number of air passengers and low-cost carriers. Government initiatives across Europe support the industry by implementing food safety regulations and measures to ensure quality and sanitation of meals served. Sustainability initiatives in the region have also promoted minimizing food waste, provided environmentally friendly packaging, and used sustainable ingredients. These factors contribute to the direction of the inflight catering industry in Europe, leading them to innovation and enhanced passenger experience.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the Europe in-flight catering market based on various segments and regions and forecasts revenue growth and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the Europe in-flight catering market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, and development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the Europe in-flight catering market.

Driving Factors

The increasing demand for specialized and diverse meal alternatives is one of the main factors driving the in-flight catering market in Europe. Airlines are responding to consumer expectations for more individualized meal options by offering healthier, organic, and diet-specific meals. The growth of both high-end and low-cost airlines has also significantly increased demand for in-flight catering services. Airlines are increasingly motivated to improve the passenger experience by providing high-quality and inventive meals as a result of the rising competition in the airline industry. Additionally, the push for sustainability has pushed airlines to use eco-friendly packaging and reduce food waste, drawing in eco-conscious travelers.

Restraining Factors

The inflight catering market faces challenges such as high prices, logistics, and food safety regulations. The cost of catering services can increase operational expenditure for airlines, as satisfying diverse dietary needs and ensuring fresh meals is complex. Food safety and hygiene regulations can also hinder efficiency and increase regulatory compliance costs. Recessions can decrease discretionary travel expenditure and air travel demand, further threatening market expansion and profitability. These factors must be addressed to ensure the industry's growth and profitability.

Market Segmentation

The Europe in-flight catering market share is classified into aircraft seating class and flight type.

• The economy class segment accounted for the largest share in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The Europe in-flight catering market is segmented by aircraft seating class into economy class, business class, and first class. Among these, the economy class segment accounted for the largest share in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This category accounts for the largest percentage of users because more people are flying in the economy than in business or first class. Economy class passengers continue to increase in number due to the growing desire for low-cost airlines and reasonably priced travel, which in turn drives up demand for more reasonable and effective in-flight culinary services.

• The full-service carriers segment accounted for the highest share in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the flight type, the Europe in-flight catering market is divided into full-service carriers, low-cost carriers, and others. Among these, the full-service carriers segment accounted for the highest share in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Airlines offer all-inclusive packages for economy and premium fares, encompassing meals, snacks, and beverages. Inflight catering is a crucial part of full-service airlines' services, as it enhances passengers' travel experience. These packages cater to business and first-class passengers, as well as economy passengers who require consistent meal options.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the Europe in-flight catering market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• LSG Group
• Servair
• Newrest Catering
• ANA Catering Service Co. Ltd.
• Flying Food Group LLC
• Gate Group
• Journey Group PLC
• Delta Dailyfood Canada Inc.
• Others

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting And Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Recent Developments

• In February 2025, the in-flight experience was significantly improved by Aer Lingus. Free lunches and snacks are now provided to economy travelers, along with organic wine, beer, and soft beverages. Premium services including skincare items and eco-friendly dentistry kits are available to business-class travelers, along with new seasonal meal selections.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at Europe, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2033. Spherical Insights has segmented the Europe in-flight catering market based on the below-mentioned segments

Europe In-Flight Catering Market, By Aircraft Seating Class

• Economy Class
• Business Class
• First Class

Europe In-Flight Catering Market, By Flight Type

• Full-Service Carriers
• Low-Cost Carriers
• Others