Ramadan in the Air: How Airlines Enhance Your Journey

By Hooria Tahir | 27, Feb, 2025
Ramadan in the Air: How Airlines Enhance Your Journey

Muslim travelers face particular difficulties when traveling during Ramadan, particularly if they are keeping a fast while en route. Fasting can be challenging due to lengthy flights, time zone differences, and a lack of food options. To guarantee a comfortable and easy voyage for passengers who are fasting, numerous airlines worldwide have implemented particular services in recognition of these difficulties. Here are several ways airlines are making flying more Ramadan-friendly, from specially prepared meals to rooms that allow for prayer.

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Special In-Flight Meal Services
blue and white airplane seats

Image credit: Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash

Suhoor and Iftar Meal Options

In order to accommodate customers who are fasting, many airlines now provide pre-packaged suhoor and iftar meals. In order to guarantee that travelers can dine at the right times depending on their departure and arrival locations, these meals are frequently offered outside of the regular meal service schedule. To assist travelers in breaking their fast in a customary and healthful manner, several airlines even offer wholesome options, including dates, yogurt, fruit, and water.

Adjusted Meal Timings Based on Local Sunset and Sunrise

Airlines modify their service schedules based on the local sunset and sunrise periods of the route because planes traverse numerous time zones. To ensure that passengers can break their fast at the appropriate moment, flight attendants announce the iftar time based on the precise location of the aircraft.

Looking for Muslim-Friendly Airlines? See 7 Best Muslim-Friendly Airlines For Travel 

Prayer Facilities and Spiritual Comfort
flight attendant standing between passenger seat

Image credit: Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

Designated Prayer Spaces on Certain Airlines

On long-haul flights, several airlines, particularly those with Muslim-majority populations, offer special places for prayer. For instance, Saudia, Emirates, and Qatar Airways have prayer-friendly areas where travelers can give salah (prayer) in comfort. To help travelers, these areas provide prayer carpets and a digital Qibla direction indication.

Providing Islamic Content for Spiritual Reflection

During Ramadan, airlines typically add Islamic programming to their in-flight entertainment system. While in the air, passengers can participate in spiritual meditation by listening to religious lectures, Quran recitations, and Islamic documentaries.

Airport and Lounge Services for Ramadan Travelers

Special Airport Lounges for Iftar

Major international airports provide dedicated Ramadan lounges where travelers can break their fast before boarding, particularly in Dubai, Istanbul, Jeddah, and Kuala Lumpur. In order to guarantee that passengers have access to food before their flights, these lounges provide complimentary dates, water, and light meals.

Free Iftar Packs at Departure Gates

Before boarding, travelers can receive free iftar kits from certain airlines and airports. These compact yet considerate packs typically contain bread, fruit, water, and dates, enabling travelers to break their fast while traveling.

Read also Can You Travel During Ramadan? Everything You Need to Know

Flexible Booking and Travel Policies
Emirates Boeing 777-300ER

Image credit: Bornil Amin on Unsplash

Special Airport Lounges for Iftar

Major international airports provide dedicated Ramadan lounges where travelers can break their fast before boarding, particularly in Dubai, Istanbul, Jeddah, and Kuala Lumpur. In order to guarantee that passengers have access to food before their flights, these lounges provide complimentary dates, water, and light meals.

Free Iftar Packs at Departure Gates

Before boarding, travelers can receive free iftar kits from certain airlines and airports. These compact yet considerate packs typically contain bread, fruit, water, and dates, enabling travelers to break their fast while traveling.

Read also Can You Travel During Ramadan? Everything You Need to Know

Conclusion

To better serve Muslim passengers during Ramadan, airlines are becoming more aware of their needs and providing special food offerings, places for prayer, and flexible flight schedules. Whether it's prayer-friendly areas, in-flight iftar boxes, or spiritual entertainment, these considerate actions make flying during the holy month more relaxing and comfortable. Fasting passengers should anticipate a more seamless and spiritually satisfying journey during Ramadan with the aviation industry's ongoing efforts.

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