Pakistan Airlines Tells Crews Not To Fast When Flying During Ramadan

You are correct in the concession when traveling and the need to make up those facts after Ramadan. It really is difficult to make up the missed fasts after Ramadan hence people fast tough it out and fast. There could a potential risk if reactions are delayed when in charge of others safety, having said that I would still leave it to the individual concerned to make the best judgement for him/herself.

It's my understanding that most people fasting during a flight will follow the timings of the departure city. So in your example Ben, the person who observed the fast in Dubai will likely break fast according to sunset in Dubai (not LA).

Hey Lucky,
Yes, during Ramadan you don't have to fast if you're traveling. I agree, Ramadan is kinda tough on the airline industry but this year I think it would be much better for the crew. Speaking of your Saudia flight, Lucky, what do you think of Al-Ula, Amaala and Neom? are you planning to visit these places once they open? If yes, I'll be more than happy to be your host and guide since I live in Miami and I'm from Jeddah 🙂

One more thing if possible, I would love to read more reviews about the Hyatt small luxury hotels, I think there's an amazing use for Hyatt points over there. Thanks for the detailed and balanced articles, have a nice weekend and stay safe!

If you want to travel while fasting you use the sunrise and sunset times of the city where you began your fast. If you start fasting in Dubai then you stop fasting when the sun sets in Dubai...no matter where you are in the world at that time.

Another key aspect is that you aren't expected to fast if your role doesn't allow it. It's why a lot of athletes won't fast on the day of a game as it would stop them from being able to play. If fasting does make it so you they can't safely work, they are allowed to fast at some other point in time.

Ramadan - the original 'intermittent fasting'.

The first day of Ramadan will be Tuesday. It’s just that in Islamic teachings with the night prayer the next day already starts so no one will fast on Monday night but right on when the sun rises on Tuesday morning. There is no unison when Ramadan actually starts or finishes among the Muslim nations. Saudi Arabia f. e will start on Monday as they are using mathematical calculations with a fixed calendar. There is a understanding that the begin and end of Ramadan should be visible observed. Almost the whole time Muslim scholars would look for the sight of the young moon to officially announce the start of Ramadan in their jurisdiction . Needless to say that politics play at hand here nowadays. KSA will not have the same start date as Iran for example.

Kids and sick people are also exempt. That means AOC and Trumpf qualify.

You too, derek.

Wonder how vaccinations will slow down among the Muslim population throughout the world if its thought to not be allowed during the day while fasting. Saw an article about plans in UK at least to open special night hours at vaccination centers for this purpose.

I arrived at Dubai once on Ramadan, we knew it was close to Iftar becase the immigration staff had the plate of dates near, but the poor soul could barely talk or comprehend us. Actually had some issues to communicate with my father (who speaks perfect arabic), it felt like he was going to black out at any moment.

My father used to be muslim many years ago, told me that only fasted a couple of years while young. And also told me he felt pity for the guy.

So I could only imagine a pilot operating in that conditions. We better avoid flying overall on muslim based carriers during Ramadan just to be extra safe.

Considering the majority of Emirates (and other ME airlines) crew are expats and non-Muslim, fasting is a non-issue.
However, out of respect for the tradition eating and drinking is done out of view of those observing the fast.

@Luke, there have been multiple news stories here in Qatar to suggest that the taking of the vaccine does not break your fast because it is taken intramuscularly, not orally and it is not nutritious.
Having said that, maybe some will not be so keen taking it on an empty stomach or after not having anything to drink for many hours which may lead to a reduction in vaccinations in Muslim majority countries. Many people may prefer to take it during the night if possible as you have mentioned.

Well at least you know the airline company has safety first on their mind

Ramadan also poses a problem for Muslims residing north of the Arctic Circle if it occurs during June/July when the midnight sun means there is no sunset. They’ve solved this by using “fake” timings to avoid a full month of no food or drink.

Unbelievable. The World is still relying on religious beliefs for control the mind of the people.
I would like to know if every believer in whatever belief, will live longer that the time alotted on its book of life.

@Andreas - In these extreme cases, its my understanding that some people also observe their fast according to Saudi Arabia, rather than their home.

I can understand why those who live in Muslim-majority countries wouldn't want to have to make up days after the fact ... so much of life is reorganized around the fast in such countries during Ramadan that it makes it a lot easier -- shorter working hours, big celebrations at night for breaking the fast, everyone else is fasting with you, etc. Doing a fast on your own on a "regular" day would be much tougher without all of the solidarity that is available during the month of Ramadan. But that said, I would definitely prefer if my pilots weren't fasting...

I don't want to fly with Pakistan-based airlines like PIA durubg Ramadan, as all pilots are fasting regardless of what directive from PCAA, ICAO, IATA, FAA, EASA tells them.