Stakeholders' attitudes and perceptions of airline food waste: insights from Malaysia using the comprehensive action determination model

Purpose This study investigates the behavioural, systemic and regulatory factors shaping food waste in airline catering operations, using the Comprehensive Action Determination Model (CADM). This study explores how intentional, normative, situational and habitual influences shape waste-related decisions. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was applied through twelve in-depth interviews with stakeholders across airlines, caterers and regulatory bodies. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis guided by CADM themes. Findings The study confirms that food waste elimination is unattainable due to safety regulations, demand uncertainty and logistical rigidity. However, reductions are possible through data-driven provisioning, improved transparency along the catering supply chain and harmonised regulatory protocols. Cross-border collaboration remains constrained by inconsistent policy regimes and inadequate digital integration. The findings challenge the assumption that operational efficiency alone delivers sustainability improvements, highlighting the need for circular recovery pathways aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 12.3. Research limitations/implications Future studies should integrate supply chain data and regulatory analytics to model waste drivers more precisely and assess benefits of circular redistribution systems. Practical implications Airlines and regulators can reduce waste through predictive analytics, interoperable data infrastructures and enabling rules for edible recovery beyond borders. Originality/value This study extends CADM to the underexplored context of airline food waste. Beyond behavioural factors, food waste in airline catering is also shaped by the interaction of regulatory constraints, organisational norms, operational routines, infrastructural challenges and data transparency challenges. In addition, behavioural and institutional factors collectively influence waste-related decisions and sustainability practices in airline catering operations.