Ramadan 2026 has just kicked off as of February 17, and this year it runs through March 19. Given that the ”big three” Gulf carriers are all based in countries that generally observe Ramadan, I’d like to provide a quick rundown of what people should expect when flying these airlines over the coming weeks.
Continue reading: Flying On Gulf Airlines During Ramadan: What Should Travelers Expect?
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
@Ben every Ramadan you write about the same three. What about the others? Turkish? Royal Jordanian? Royal Air Maroc? Gulf? Oman? Malaysian?
Morning.
To all Muslim readers, As-salamu alaykum and Ramadan Mubarak, Kareem. May you have a good fast.
The post picture looks like the old VA business class bar on their pre-pandemic 777s that Qatar took over!
And does Saudia serve alcohol in the lounge or just onboard?
But in all seriousness, I am curious about what other airlines do, aside from the big three.
Qatar doesn't serve alcohol on board on regionally routes like Dubai, Muscat, Bahrain, etc. just flew from Muscat and there was no booze available. Lounge was still available.
Good info. I flew Qatar yesterday to Abu Dhabi and they were still serving alcohol in First.
Just an observation, but it's interesting being at that point in the cycle where Ramadan and Lent sort-of line up.
What’s the reasoning for hiding alcohol during Ramadan? Its consumption is generally considered haram at all times. It isn’t any worse for a muslim to consume alcohol during Ramadan than at other times of the year.
A few years ago I flew Qatar Airways from DOH to JED during Ramadan. The latter is the home airport for Haj passengers headed to Mecca. At least a third of the passengers were wearing just white towels (and shoes). And they were all doing some kind of chanting during parts of the flight and especially after landing. Very different from anything previously experienced.
Why do you continue to keep supporting these state-owned airlines by countries who have serious human rights abuse problems?(UAE, Qatar, Saudi, etc)