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.

Sydney Airport’s Terminal 3 is undergoing a transformation set to redefine the domestic travel dining experience, with a slate of acclaimed Sydney eateries opening their first airport outposts from late 2025. Following the popular debut of Luke’s Bistro & Bar by chef Luke Mangan in 2023, the Qantas and QantasLink home terminal is poised to become a culinary destination in its own right, welcoming Maggio’s, Loulou, and Slim’s Quality Burgers as headline arrivals in its food and retail upgrade.

This is all part of a large-scale redevelopment aiming to turn T3 into a vibrant, modern hub “that better reflects the tastes of today’s travellers,” according to Mark Zaouk, Group Executive Commercial at Sydney Airport. “T3 Domestic is not just a terminal,” Zaouk explains, “It’s a gateway for millions of passengers to Australia’s vibrant domestic travel market, and we’re transforming the dining and specialty retail areas by securing iconic brands that reflect the premium offering T3 is known for”.

Among the eagerly anticipated arrivals is Maggio’s, a storied Italian pasticceria and café that’s been a staple of Sydney’s lower north shore since 1998. The Maggio brothers’ Cammeray flagship regularly sees queues for their signature poached eggs in fresh tomato and basil sauce, chilli scrambled eggs with grilled broccolini and feta, rustic pizzas, homemade lasagna and panini, and an indulgent range of Italian pastries such as cannoli and ricotta cheesecake. For the first time, these crowd-pleasing favorites will be available to travelers within an airport setting.

Joining the lineup is Loulou, another lower north shore darling known for French-inspired fare, from buttery croissants to baguette sandwiches, pâtés, and gourmet retail treats. After expanding beyond its roots at Milson’s Point, Loulou will bring its bistro and boulangerie flair to the T3 concourse, offering travelers a new taste of elevated French cuisine on the move.

Rounding out this first trio is Slim’s Quality Burgers, beloved for its nostalgic blend of American-style beef and chicken burgers, loaded bacon fries, crispy chicken tenders, and decadent thick shakes and sundaes. Slim’s “fast casual” concept is designed for hungry travelers seeking a satisfying yet speedy meal before their flight.

These three openings are only the start. The first phase will see up to 14 new food and beverage venues spanning casual eateries, standout bistros, grab-and-go outlets, and more open progressively from late 2025, all timed to align with the peak summer travel period. The terminal’s overhaul extends beyond cuisine, with a fresh modern look, enhanced wayfinding to ease passenger movement, and the introduction of environmentally friendly furniture and more greenery to foster a relaxing preflight environment.

Sydney Airport’s bold bet: that world-class dining can be part of the journey not just the destination.

Dubai is swiftly cementing its position as a premier global tourism hub, welcoming over 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of 2025—a 6 percent rise from the same period last year. This robust growth underscores the city’s ongoing appeal and strategic vision to rank among the top three global tourism destinations, as articulated in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, attributed this success to the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the role of strong public-private partnerships and an effective global marketing strategy in propelling Dubai’s tourism sector forward. “A warm welcome to all our visitors, from the heart of the world — Dubai,” he wrote on X.

Building on a record-breaking 18.72 million international overnight visitors in 2024—which marked a 9 percent year-on-year increase surpassing the previous 17.15 million in 2023—Dubai’s tourism pulse remains exceptionally vibrant. The city’s world-class infrastructure, strategic crossroads location bridging East and West, and seamless global connectivity continue to attract a diverse array of tourists.

Hotel occupancy rates reflect this booming sector, standing at over 80 percent, complemented by strong performances in average daily rates and revenues per available room. This thriving hospitality scene, alongside a dynamic calendar of business, leisure, cultural, and retail events, fortifies Dubai’s reputation as a preferred destination for travelers worldwide.

In essence, Dubai’s first half of 2025 tourism figures highlight not only the city’s resilience but also its bold ambition to be a crown jewel on the global travel map, welcoming millions with unmatched hospitality and unforgettable experiences.

flynas, the world’s leading low-cost airline and the top low-cost carrier in the Middle East, has taken a pioneering step in family-friendly travel by launching a dedicated check-in counter exclusively for children and their families. This initiative, the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, is aimed at creating a fun, stress-free, and engaging travel experience for young passengers alongside their loved ones, reaffirming flynas’s commitment to inclusivity across all traveler segments.

Unveiled under the slogan “Make Them the Stars of the Journey,” the initial phase of this special check-in facility is now open at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh’s domestic terminal. The area is thoughtfully designed with children in mind, featuring a custom-built, child-height counter adorned with colorful branding and visuals of flynas’s playful Fernas mascot.

The space includes branded barriers with lively illustrations and welcoming signage crafted to attract and delight children. flynas staff stationed here are specially trained to offer warm, playful interactions and personalized services tailored to family needs. Adding to the excitement, children receive uniquely designed boarding passes that reflect their special treatment.

This family-centric service launch is part of flynas’s broader growth and inclusivity agenda, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s National Civil Aviation Strategy and Vision 2030. It supports the Kingdom’s ambitious goals of connecting to 250 international destinations, accommodating 330 million passengers, and attracting 150 million tourists annually by 2030. The initiative also complements the Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP), facilitating easier access to the Two Holy Mosques for pilgrims.

Currently, flynas operates 139 routes to more than 70 domestic and international destinations across 30 countries, with over 2,000 weekly flights. Since its inception in 2007, the airline has transported over 80 million passengers and aims to expand to 165 destinations as part of its ongoing growth plan. Travelers can book flights via the flynas website, mobile app, call center, or travel agencies.

By creating this dedicated, child-friendly check-in experience, flynas not only sets a new standard for low-cost airlines in family travel service but also enhances the comfort and joy of flying for its youngest customers and their families.

Air Arabia, the leading low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, is set to strengthen its connectivity between the UAE and Thailand with the launch of a third daily flight to Bangkok. Starting October 26, 2025, travelers will enjoy more flexible and convenient options as the airline adds an additional daily service between Sharjah International Airport and Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok.

This expansion to three daily flights highlights Air Arabia’s commitment to meeting growing passenger demand and enhancing travel experiences on this popular route. Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, emphasized that the move not only caters to customers’ travel needs but also supports the growth of trade and tourism ties between the UAE and Thailand.

The new schedule offers a mix of morning, afternoon, and late-night departures to provide travelers with greater choice and convenience. On the ground, Air Arabia’s modern fleet of 83 Airbus A320 and A321 neo-LR aircraft ensures efficient and comfortable flights. Passengers benefit from spacious seating, in-flight entertainment via the complimentary 'SkyTime' streaming service, and the ‘SkyCafe’ menu of onboard meals. Additionally, the airline’s ‘Air Rewards’ loyalty program offers some of the most generous benefits in the region.

Bangkok, a vibrant destination renowned for its rich culture and bustling urban life, remains a favorite among UAE residents for both leisure and business. The added flight capacity is expected to boost tourism and economic engagement between the two regions further.

Customers can now book the newly expanded flights through Air Arabia’s website, call center, or travel agencies, making it easier than ever to explore this dynamic gateway to Southeast Asia.

Flight schedule effective October 26, 2025 (all times local):

• G9 816: Sharjah 07:40 → Bangkok 16:55 (daily)
• G9 817: Bangkok 17:55 → Sharjah 21:55 (daily)
• G9 821: Sharjah 21:55 → Bangkok 07:10 (daily)
• G9 822: Bangkok 08:00 → Sharjah 12:00 (daily)
• G9 823: Sharjah 01:15 → Bangkok 10:30 (daily)
• G9 824: Bangkok 11:30 → Sharjah 15:30 (daily) 

This strategic increase in flight frequency solidifies Air Arabia's role as a key player in enhancing UAE-Thailand connectivity, offering affordable, reliable, and customer-focused air travel in the region.

Etihad Airways has taken a dramatic leap in redefining short and medium-haul air travel, launching the first commercial flight of its all-new Airbus A321LR. Departing from Zayed International Airport to Phuket, this debut flight marks a milestone: widebody luxury is now available on a single-aisle aircraft, and the inaugural journey sold out across First, Business, and Economy classes.

The new A321LR brings Etihad’s famed premium experience previously reserved for its largest aircraft to a next-generation single-aisle jet. This sets a new benchmark for travelers seeking exclusivity typically found only on long-haul routes.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, described the A321LR as “our ambition to deliver extraordinary experiences on every route we serve. It allows us to bring the sophistication of our widebody cabins, including our renowned First experience, to more destinations, and to more travellers, than ever before.”

The cabin features include:

First Suites: Two fully enclosed, private suites with sliding doors, 20-inch 4K screens, flat beds, wireless charging, Bluetooth pairing, and space for companion dining that reflect the airline’s award-winning service and attention to detail.

Business Class: Fourteen lie-flat seats in a 1-1 herringbone configuration, each equipped with a 17.3-inch 4K display, wireless charging, direct aisle access, and window views.

Economy Class: 144 ergonomically designed seats with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen displays, USB charging, and Bluetooth headphone connectivity, ensuring premium entertainment access for all passengers.
All cabins benefit from high-speed Wi-Fi supporting video conferencing, streaming, and gaming, along with enlarged overhead bins to enhance convenience throughout the journey.

 The A321LR’s introduction marks the first of 30 such aircraft Etihad is set to add to its fleet, each configured to raise standards for regional air travel.

With this launch, Etihad continues to combine design innovation with service excellence, elevating comfort and style across every flight, no matter the distance.