As global air travel continues to connect people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, airlines are increasingly tailoring their onboard experiences to meet the unique preferences and values of their passengers. Among the most notable trends is the rise of alcohol-free cabins—flights where no alcoholic beverages are served or permitted, regardless of route or class.

This approach is especially prominent among airlines based in Muslim-majority countries, where religious and cultural norms play a significant role in shaping service standards. By offering alcohol-free environments, these carriers ensure that passengers who choose or require a dry travel experience can do so comfortably and confidently, without compromising on comfort or quality.

In this guide, we explore the world’s leading airlines with alcohol-free cabins, highlighting their distinctive policies, operational practices, and the broader impact this trend is having on the aviation industry.

1. Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) – Saudi Arabia

Saudia is the national carrier of Saudi Arabia and operates one of the most stringent alcohol-free policies in the world. Alcohol is neither served nor allowed to be brought or consumed onboard any flight, domestic or international. This strict approach reflects Saudi Arabia’s adherence to Islamic law, which prohibits alcohol consumption.

Saudia’s headquarters in Jeddah serve as a major hub for millions of religious pilgrims traveling to Mecca and Medina each year, ensuring their spiritual needs are met throughout their journey. Passengers are offered a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages, including traditional cardamom-infused coffee and juices, to ensure comfort and satisfaction.

2. Air Arabia – United Arab Emirates (Sharjah)

Air Arabia, based in Sharjah, is the Middle East’s first low-cost carrier and maintains a strict alcohol-free policy. Sharjah is known for its conservative social policies, and Air Arabia’s approach aligns with these values. The airline operates an extensive network across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, always maintaining its dry cabin standards regardless of destination. Air Arabia demonstrates that low-cost carriers can successfully integrate cultural considerations without sacrificing operational efficiency or passenger satisfaction.

3. Kuwait Airways – Kuwait

Kuwait Airways enforces a comprehensive alcohol ban that extends beyond onboard service. Passengers are prohibited from carrying or consuming alcohol even during layovers or connecting flights through Kuwait International Airport. This policy ensures a seamless alcohol-free experience for all travelers using Kuwait as a hub. The airline’s approach is rooted in Kuwait’s constitutional incorporation of Islamic law as a primary source of legislation.

4. Jazeera Airways – Kuwait

Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s second major airline and a prominent low-cost carrier, mirrors the alcohol restrictions of Kuwait Airways. Despite its budget model, Jazeera Airways maintains strict policies against alcohol service and generally discourages passengers from bringing alcohol onboard. The airline has built its reputation on affordable travel while respecting the conservative values prevalent throughout the region. Some sources note that while alcohol may be permitted in checked baggage, it is not allowed for consumption during the flight.

5. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) – Pakistan

Pakistan’s flag carrier, PIA, has maintained a comprehensive alcohol ban since the 1970s. This policy covers all sources of alcohol, including duty-free purchases and personal supplies. The airline’s approach reflects Pakistan’s status as an Islamic republic and its strict legal and social restrictions on alcohol consumption. PIA’s headquarters in Karachi serve as a central hub for both domestic and international flights, ensuring a consistent alcohol-free environment for all passengers.

6. EgyptAir – Egypt

EgyptAir, Egypt’s state-owned carrier, maintains alcohol-free policies across its entire fleet and route network. Despite Egypt’s relatively liberal approach to alcohol regulation compared to some regional neighbors, the national airline chooses to maintain conservative standards to accommodate the religious preferences of its predominantly Muslim passenger base. EgyptAir serves routes throughout Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond, ensuring a dry cabin experience for all travelers.

7. Airblue – Pakistan

Airblue, Pakistan’s largest private airline, upholds the same strict no-alcohol policies as PIA. The airline’s dry cabin policy applies to all flights, including those to international destinations. Airblue has established itself as a reliable domestic and regional carrier, serving routes throughout Pakistan and extending to the Middle East. Its approach demonstrates that private operators in conservative markets often adopt similar cultural standards as state carriers.

8. Iraqi Airways – Iraq

Iraqi Airways, Iraq’s national carrier, is officially dry and does not serve alcohol onboard. While Baghdad Airport has recently introduced duty-free shops selling alcohol, passengers are only allowed to take sealed bottles onboard—not to open or consume them during the flight. The airline’s policy reflects Iraq’s efforts to maintain cultural and religious standards as it rebuilds its aviation sector.

9. Royal Brunei Airlines – Brunei

Royal Brunei Airlines, the national carrier of Brunei, does not serve alcohol onboard in line with the country’s strict Islamic governance. Non-Muslim passengers may be permitted to bring their own alcohol, but consumption during the flight is generally not allowed without explicit approval from the cabin crew. The airline’s policy demonstrates a balance between religious principles and international aviation standards.

10. Biman Bangladesh Airlines – Bangladesh

Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Bangladesh’s flag carrier, maintains an alcohol-free environment across its entire route network. The airline’s policy reflects the country’s predominantly Muslim population and cultural preferences, ensuring that Bangladeshi travelers can access international destinations while maintaining familiar standards throughout their journey.

Additional Notable Mentions

• Riyadh Air (Saudi Arabia, launching soon): The upcoming second flag-carrier of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Air, will also be strictly dry for religious reasons. No alcohol will be served or permitted onboard, even in premium cabins, unless Saudi law changes in the future.
• Ariana Afghan Airlines (Afghanistan): Flies out of Kabul with a strict no-alcohol policy, as alcohol is not available for purchase in Afghanistan and is not permitted onboard.
• Iran Aseman Airlines and Mahan Air (Iran): Both operate with a strict no-alcohol policy, in line with Iran’s traditional culture and legal restrictions.
• Flynas, Flyadeal, and Nesma Airlines (Saudi Arabia): All Saudi-based low-cost carriers also prohibit alcohol onboard, reflecting the country’s legal framework.

Other Insights and Trends

• Non-Alcoholic Beverage Innovation: As the global demand for non-alcoholic beverages grows, airlines with alcohol-free cabins are expanding their offerings to include premium mocktails, zero-percent beers, and specialty coffees and teas.
• Cultural and Religious Sensitivity: These airlines prioritize religious and cultural considerations, ensuring that passengers from conservative backgrounds feel comfortable and respected during their travels.
• Operational Consistency: Despite operating in diverse markets, these carriers maintain consistent alcohol-free policies across all routes and aircraft, demonstrating that such standards do not compromise operational efficiency or passenger satisfaction.
• Impact on Passenger Behavior: Alcohol-free cabins can reduce the risk of disruptive incidents onboard, as overconsumption of alcohol is a contributing factor to unruly passenger behavior.

Summary Table

These airlines exemplify how cultural, religious, and legal considerations shape aviation policies, offering millions of travelers a consistent and alcohol-free flying experience, while also embracing innovation in non-alcoholic beverage service.

The recent escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict has resulted in over 500 flights being cancelled or delayed across key international airports in Israel, the UAE, Qatar, and Turkey. This turmoil, characterized by missile attacks and extensive airspace disruptions, has forced airlines such as Delta, Air India, United, Emirates, Saudia, and Qatar Airways to alter their operations drastically.

As regional tensions rise, major airports—including Ben Gurion, Dubai International, Hamad International, and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen—have become focal points of aviation chaos, impacting countless travelers as they approach the busy summer season.

Ben Gurion Airport, Israel: 53 Flights Cancelled

In Israel, Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv faced significant disruptions, with 53 flights cancelled on Saturday alone. This surge in cancellations was largely due to safety concerns following Iran's missile retaliation against Israeli airstrikes that targeted prominent Iranian officials and nuclear scientists. While there were no reported delays, multiple airlines opted to suspend operations altogether.

United Airlines cancelled five flights, effectively halting their operations for the day. Similarly, Delta Air Lines and KLM cancelled all their scheduled flights. FlyDubai reported 10 cancellations, affecting over 60% of its daily operations. Other regional carriers, including Israir, El Al, and Cyprus Airways, also faced total cancellations on some routes.

Dubai International and Sharjah Airports, UAE: 362 Disruptions Combined

The UAE's aviation sector was hit particularly hard, with Dubai International Airport reporting a staggering 85 cancellations and 184 delays, summing up to 269 disruptions—the highest for any single airport in the region. Sharjah International Airport added to this chaos with 34 cancellations and 23 delays, bringing the national total to 362 flight disruptions.

FlyDubai, based in Dubai, suffered significantly, cancelling 62 flights and delaying 57 more, which impacted nearly one in five of its operations. Emirates, the UAE's flagship airline, experienced 16 cancellations and 86 delays. This ripple effect extended to other carriers such as Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Royal Jordanian, showcasing the widespread impact on airlines not directly operating in Israel.

Hamad International Airport, Qatar: 105 Disruptions

In Qatar, Hamad International Airport experienced a wave of complications, with 22 cancellations and 83 delays, totaling 105 impacted flights. Qatar Airways, the national carrier, was responsible for the majority of these disruptions, cancelling 22 flights and delaying 74, which accounted for roughly 12% of its daily schedule. Other airlines, such as Finnair, China Southern, and Jazeera Airways, also reported minor delays.

Despite Qatar's neutral position in the Israel-Iran conflict, the escalating regional instability and the risks associated with overflight prompted many airlines to reroute or suspend their operations through Qatari airspace.

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, Turkey: 68 Flights Affected

Turkey's Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Istanbul reported 15 cancellations and 53 delays, primarily driven by regional carriers. Pegasus Airlines was particularly affected, leading the disruption count with 34 delays and 15 cancellations. Turkish Airlines, while reporting 10 delays, managed to avoid cancellations.

Although Turkey is geographically distanced from the immediate conflict zones, the substantial number of connecting flights through its airports resulted in cascading effects on operations. Factors like repositioning of flight crews and regulatory detours contributed to the delays.

Understanding the Flight Disruptions

The extensive wave of flight cancellations and delays across Israel, the UAE, Qatar, and Turkey is a direct consequence of the rapidly escalating military tensions between Israel and Iran. The conflict began with Israel launching a significant air offensive aimed at Iranian nuclear facilities, military leaders, and scientists, which reportedly resulted in considerable damage and loss of life.

In retaliation, Iran launched approximately 200 ballistic missiles and drones toward Israel in successive waves, prompting air raid sirens and emergency shelter protocols in cities such as Tel Aviv. The ensuing chaos not only led to civilian casualties but also created a perilous environment for air traffic, forcing Ben Gurion Airport to suspend or limit its operations.

The conflict's repercussions quickly spread across the region, impacting airlines operating in Dubai, Doha, Sharjah, and Istanbul. Increased risks of airspace intrusions and the potential for misidentification by military radar created significant pressure for airlines to cancel or reroute flights. Countries like Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE, while not directly involved in the conflict, found themselves vulnerable due to their proximity and status as major aviation hubs.

In addition to physical threats, airspace closures and logistical challenges—including the repositioning of aircraft and crew shortages—compounded the operational impact. Airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, FlyDubai, United, Delta, and Saudia had no choice but to preemptively cancel flights or implement major delays to safeguard passengers and crew members.

Aviation regulators and defense agencies issued warnings and no-fly advisories for certain air corridors, further diminishing safe routing options. Consequently, what began as a localized military conflict evolved into one of the most significant aviation disruptions in the region this year, leaving many passengers stranded and airline operations fractured.

With tensions remaining high and both nations signaling potential further military action, these disruptions are likely to persist or even escalate in the coming days.

Conflict Fallout and Airspace Concerns

The current flight disruptions are unfolding amid one of the most dangerous escalations in the Middle East in recent history. Israel's military actions targeted Iranian nuclear capabilities, while Iran's response involved a concerted missile assault. Air raid sirens rang out across multiple Israeli cities, prompting a temporary grounding of civilian flights.

U.S. military forces have assisted Israel in intercepting some missile threats, yet the situation has compelled precautionary measures from aviation authorities throughout the region. Airlines have rerouted flights away from potential conflict zones, leading to widespread scheduling chaos.

Carriers operating through major regional hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Istanbul have faced severe disruptions to long-haul connections, particularly those connecting to Asia, Europe, and North America. Airlines, including Delta, United, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Saudia, either paused services or made significant network adjustments over the weekend.

Economic Impact: Oil Prices and Tourism Concerns

In conjunction with the aviation disruptions, oil prices surged by 7% in global markets, driven by concerns that the conflict could extend into the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit artery. The situation has raised alarms within the global tourism sector, especially with the summer travel season in full swing.

With over 500 flights cancelled or delayed, travelers across the Middle East are now bracing for ripple effects that may linger for days or even weeks. Airlines are striving to rebook passengers and redirect aircraft, but ongoing security uncertainties could lead to additional suspensions or timetable adjustments.

Airlines and Airports Affected

Here’s a detailed overview of the airlines impacted across the region:

Ben Gurion International Airport (Israel)

• Total Flights Cancelled: 53
• Total Flights Delayed: 0
• Airlines Affected:
  • FlyDubai: 10 cancellations (62% of flights)
  • Aegean Airlines: 8 cancellations (50%)
  • Israir: 7 cancellations
  • United Airlines: 5 cancellations
  • KLM: All flights cancelled
  • Delta Air Lines: All flights cancelled
  • El Al: Total cancellations on select routes
  • Cyprus Airways: Total cancellations on select routes

Dubai International Airport (UAE)

• Total Flights Cancelled: 85
• Total Flights Delayed: 184
• Airlines Affected:
  • FlyDubai: 62 cancellations, 57 delays
  • Emirates: 16 cancellations, 86 delays
  • Air India: Various delays
  • Air India Express: Various delays
  • SpiceJet: Various delays
  • Royal Jordanian: Various delays
  • Mahan Air: 2 cancellations
  • Syrian Arab Airlines: 1 cancellation

Hamad International Airport (Qatar)

• Total Flights Cancelled: 22
• Total Flights Delayed: 83
• Airlines Affected:
  • Qatar Airways: 22 cancellations, 74 delays
  • Finnair: Minor delays
  • China Southern Airlines: Minor delays
  • Jazeera Airways: Minor delays
  • Royal Jordanian: Minor delays

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Turkey)

• Total Flights Cancelled: 15
• Total Flights Delayed: 53
• Airlines Affected:
  • Pegasus Airlines: 15 cancellations, 34 delays
  • Turkish Airlines: 10 delays
  • Smart Lynx: 1 delay
  • Flynas: 1 delay

Summary of Disruptions

• Dubai International (UAE): 269 disruptions
• Hamad International (Qatar): 105 disruptions
• Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (Turkey): 68 disruptions
• Sharjah International (UAE): 57 disruptions
• Ben Gurion (Israel): 53 cancellations

In summary, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has led to a significant surge in flight cancellations and delays, with over 552 flights affected across the Middle East. Travelers now face a volatile environment for air travel, as major airlines scramble to adjust their schedules amid escalating tensions. International aviation authorities are closely monitoring the situation, anticipating further disruptions as military operations continue.

Vietnam Airlines will inaugurate a direct flight service between Hanoi and Milan, Italy, starting July 1, 2025, marking the first time a Vietnamese carrier offers nonstop flights to Italy. The new route will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, enhancing connectivity between Vietnam and Europe.

This milestone expands Vietnam Airlines’ European network to nine direct routes, including existing flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Paris, Frankfurt, London, and soon Munich. The airline also plans to launch a direct Ho Chi Minh City–Milan service after 2025, further strengthening ties between the two countries.

Milan, Italy’s second-largest city and a global fashion and cultural hub, attracts millions of tourists, especially during summer months. Italy is a popular destination for Vietnamese travelers, and visitor numbers from Italy to Vietnam have surged by 155% in 2024, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

The new direct route is expected to boost tourism and facilitate economic, social, and political exchanges between Vietnam and Italy, with ongoing negotiations for a visa waiver for Vietnamese tour groups.

Tickets are now available on Vietnam Airlines’ website and official channels, with promotional fares starting at around USD 810 for round-trip economy tickets in July 2025. Flight VN73 departs Hanoi at 00:45, arriving in Milan at 07:40; the return flight VN72 leaves Milan at 12:45, arriving in Hanoi at 04:35 the next day.

Vietnam Airlines currently operates a modern fleet including Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, A321, and A320neo aircraft, and continues to expand its international services with plans to launch or revive 15 new routes this year.

This new Hanoi-Milan service represents a strategic expansion of Vietnam Airlines’ global network, offering greater travel flexibility and fostering stronger international ties between Vietnam, Italy, and Europe.

Following Israel's recent airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites, Air Arabia has announced extensive flight cancellations affecting ten countries amid escalating regional tensions and widespread airspace closures. The Sharjah-based low-cost carrier temporarily suspended flights to and from Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Russia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, with cancellations initially covering June 13 and 14 and extended through June 17 for some routes.

The disruptions stem from Israel's military campaign aimed at halting Iran's nuclear weapon development, which triggered the closure of airspace over Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and neighboring countries, severely impacting key air corridors between Europe and Asia. Air Arabia's affected routes include major cities such as Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, Erbil, Baghdad, Najaf, Basra, Amman, Beirut, Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Samara, Yerevan, Tbilisi, Baku, Almaty, and Tashkent. Flights between Ras Al Khaimah and Moscow, as well as Abu Dhabi and Moscow, Yerevan, Tbilisi, and Baku, have also been canceled, including return flights to the UAE.

Other UAE carriers have similarly curtailed operations: Emirates suspended flights to Iraq, Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon until late June; Etihad Airways canceled Abu Dhabi-Tel Aviv flights through June 17 and adjusted schedules for Amman and Beirut; flydubai halted flights to Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Iraq, and Israel with some aircraft rerouted or returned mid-flight for safety. Dubai International Airport, Dubai World Central, and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport have reported delays and cancellations, urging passengers to verify flight status before traveling.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel advisory urging nationals and residents in the region to stay updated and register with consular services for emergency support. Airlines emphasize passenger and crew safety as their highest priority and advise travelers to monitor official airline websites for real-time updates, rebooking options, and refunds due to the fluid security situation.

This extensive disruption highlights the profound impact of geopolitical conflicts on global aviation, with airlines forced to navigate rapidly changing airspace restrictions to ensure safety amid rising tensions in the Middle East

Traveling with family can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to navigating airports and ensuring everyone’s comfort. Recognizing the unique needs of families, Air Arabia has introduced a comprehensive range of services aimed at making air travel easier, more convenient, and enjoyable for parents and children alike. From city check-ins and dedicated airport support to onboard entertainment and family-friendly loyalty rewards, Air Arabia is setting a new standard for family travel. Below, discover the key features and benefits designed to make every family journey smooth and memorable.

Check-In and Pre-Departure Convenience

Air Arabia offers families a seamless start to their journey with multiple convenient check-in options. Families can use 13 to 14 city check-in locations across Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah, allowing them to check in and collect boarding passes away from the airport, reducing wait times and stress. Online check-in is also available, enabling families to bypass queues and enjoy a smoother start to their trip.

Dedicated Family Support at the Airport

At Sharjah International Airport, families benefit from dedicated fast-track check-in, expedited boarding, and streamlined immigration and security processing. Porter services are provided to help with luggage, so parents’ hands are free to manage their children. The Meet & Assist package is available for both departures and arrivals, offering a warm greeting, help with airport formalities, fast-track clearance, baggage assistance, and escort services.

Traveling with Infants and Young Children

Air Arabia makes traveling with infants easy by providing onboard bassinets for those seated in the front row—these can be pre-booked via the airline’s website or customer service. Infants as young as three days old are accepted for travel with the proper documentation. Parents can bring an extra hand baggage item (up to 3 kg) for baby essentials. Strollers can be used throughout the airport and are returned upon landing. Every infant must be accompanied by a passenger at least 16 years old, and children under 12 must be accompanied by someone at least 16 years old as well.

Onboard Entertainment and Activities

Onboard, Air Arabia’s complimentary in-flight entertainment system, SkyTime, features a wide range of kid-friendly movies, games, and TV shows, refreshed regularly for new and exciting content. The “Fun Onboard” program offers interactive activities such as coloring books, face painting, and in-flight competitions. Special “Kid Snack Boxes,” packed with treats and drawing sets, keep young travelers entertained. Families can pre-order kid-friendly meals, including options like chicken tenders with mac & cheese and Nutella sandwiches.

Loyalty and Rewards for Families

Air Arabia’s AirRewards loyalty program enhances family travel by allowing up to eight family members to be linked under one account. The family head earns 50% of the points from each member’s flights, helping to accumulate rewards faster and unlock exclusive benefits. The airline’s spacious economy seating and flexible baggage policies further ensure a comfortable and affordable journey for all.

Thoughtful amenities, robust safety measures, and personalized support distinguish Air Arabia’s approach to family travel. These features collectively raise the bar for family-friendly air journeys, ensuring that every trip is both memorable and free from hassle for passengers of all ages.

Etihad Airways has announced a significant expansion of its operations to Karachi, Pakistan, with the introduction of four daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Karachi starting from October 1, 2025. This move will increase the frequency to 28 nonstop flights per week, offering travelers more flexibility and convenience on one of the region’s most popular routes. The enhanced schedule is expected to support both business and leisure travel, catering to the strong demand between the UAE and Pakistan.

Etihad’s flights from Abu Dhabi to Karachi cover a distance of approximately 1,271 kilometers (790 miles), with each direct journey taking around two hours and fifteen minutes. The airline is known for its high standards of comfort across all cabins, including ergonomic seats in Economy and fully flat beds in Business Class, as well as onboard Wi-Fi and a robust in-flight entertainment system. Passengers can also take advantage of Etihad’s convenient home check-in service, premium amenity kits, and attentive service throughout their journey.

Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and commercial hub, is a vital destination for travelers seeking business opportunities or exploring its vibrant cultural scene. The city’s tropical, semi-arid climate, diverse landscapes, and rich history make it a compelling destination year-round. With the increased frequency, Etihad aims to further strengthen economic and tourism ties between the UAE and Pakistan, providing more options for travelers and contributing to the growing connectivity in the region. For the latest schedules, fares, and booking options, travelers are encouraged to visit Etihad’s official website.

Flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and Karachi from 01 October 2025. All times local

Flight	Frequency	Departure City	Departure Time	Arrival City	Arrival Time
EY292	Daily	Abu Dhabi	07:50	Karachi	11:05
EY293	Daily	Karachi	12:00	Abu Dhabi	13:05
EY294	Daily	Abu Dhabi	14:40	Karachi	17:55
EY295	Daily	Karachi	21:35	Abu Dhabi	22:40
EY296	Daily	Abu Dhabi	23:40	Karachi	03:00
EY297	Daily	Karachi	05:15	Abu Dhabi	06:30
EY298	Daily	Abu Dhabi	02:25	Karachi	05:40
EY299	Daily	Karachi	06:35	Abu Dhabi	07:50