Ramadan 2024 has just kicked off as of March 10, and this year it runs through April 9. Given that the “big three” Gulf carriers are all based in countries that generally observe Ramadan, I wanted to provide a quick rundown of what people should expect when flying these airlines over the next few weeks.
During Ramadan, Muslims typically fast during daylight hours (though some make exceptions when traveling). As a result, airlines will serve an Iftar meal on most flights, which is the meal with which people break their fast after sundown. Those not observing Ramadan are of course free to eat as usual, and airlines accommodate that.
However, some airlines do slightly adjust their alcohol policies during Ramadan. For the Gulf carriers, it’s an interesting balance between respecting their “roots” while also serving non-Muslim international travelers, many of whom are traveling between non-Muslim countries, and are simply using the region as a connecting point.
Here’s my understanding of what you should expect if flying Emirates, Etihad, or Qatar Airways, over the coming weeks (and if any policies have been adjusted this year and I got them wrong, please let me know!).
Do Gulf airlines serve alcohol onboard during Ramadan?
Onboard Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways flights, you can expect it to mostly be business as usual during Ramadan. That’s to say that alcohol should be served to all destinations except Saudi Arabia, which is the case year-round.
You may notice some differences in how alcohol is served and displayed, though:
- At the Qatar Airways A380 onboard bar, alcohol may not be displayed, but rather is likely to just be stored underneath the bar (at the Emirates bar it’s displayed as usual)
- Some reports in past years suggest that on Etihad and Qatar Airways, they’ll pour alcohol in the galley for first and business class passengers, rather than bringing out the bottles and pouring at the seat; this seems to be crew dependent, and I’ve also had the opposite experiences during Ramadan
These are all minor things, and for all practical purposes, alcohol service should remain the same in the air.
Do Gulf airlines serve alcohol in lounges during Ramadan?
While you won’t notice much of a change during Ramadan in the air, you may notice some differences on the ground. Of the three carriers, Emirates is the only one that doesn’t adjust its policies in its Emirates Lounges worldwide.
Meanwhile in Etihad Lounges and Qatar Airways Lounges, alcohol is still served during all hours of the day for Ramadan, but it simply won’t be displayed at the bar. It’s worth noting that Gulf carriers seem to have liberalized their policies regarding this in recent years, as going back several years, Etihad and Qatar Airways didn’t serve alcohol in their lounges during Ramadan.
Bottom line
While Ramadan has major implications for Muslims, Gulf carriers do a pretty job of finding a balance of serving non-Muslims during this period as well. If you’re flying with Emirates, Etihad, or Qatar Airways, you should find that it’s mostly business as usual.
If you fly one of the Gulf carriers during Ramadan, please report back with your experience!
