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.

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.

On May 22, 2025, British Airways Flight BA118, a Boeing 777, took off from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport at 7:40 AM local time, bound for London Heathrow. However, just three hours into the journey, while cruising near Abu Dhabi airspace, the flight encountered a technical issue that forced a dramatic mid-air U-turn back to Bengaluru.

The aircraft’s crew reported a malfunction in the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), a critical safety system designed to prevent mid-air collisions by monitoring nearby aircraft. This prompted the captain to take the precautionary measure of returning to the departure airport to ensure passenger safety.

Passengers on board experienced delays and limited information during the wait. Satish Medapati, a passenger, shared updates on social media, noting the return but mentioning no distress or discomfort among travelers. Upon landing safely back at Bengaluru, the aircraft underwent a thorough technical inspection by engineers, who cleared it for takeoff later that afternoon at 2:30 PM to resume its journey to London Heathrow.

This incident occurred amid broader operational challenges at London Heathrow Airport, where a fire-induced power outage on May 21 caused significant disruptions. Despite early concerns that Heathrow might remain closed for several days, British Airways managed to operate about 90% of its scheduled flights on the following Saturday and anticipated near-normal operations by Sunday, reflecting the airline’s resilience in managing disruptions.

The BA118 incident is not isolated. Earlier in April 2025, British Airways Flight 216 from Washington, DC, to London made an emergency landing in Boston after a suspected bird strike and reports of smoke in the cabin. The crew’s swift action ensured a safe landing with no injuries, underscoring the airline’s commitment to safety protocols.

British Airways reaffirmed that passenger safety remains its top priority, emphasizing that the decision to return BA118 was made out of caution. The airline continues to coordinate closely with aviation authorities and airport teams to minimize inconvenience and maintain operational integrity during such events.

This mid-air U-turn highlights the complexities and challenges of modern aviation, where safety systems and crew vigilance play a crucial role in protecting passengers, even if it means turning back mid-journey to address technical concerns promptly.

On May 22, 2025, the skies above Brazil unleashed a fierce thunderstorm that brought Emirates flight EK261—a flagship Airbus A380 route from Dubai to São Paulo—to an unexpected halt. Moments before landing at São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), the world’s largest passenger aircraft encountered violent weather conditions that forced the pilots to abort the final approach and divert to Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão International Airport (GIG).

Lightning cracked and winds surged as visibility plunged below 2 kilometers and cloud ceilings dropped to just 800 feet, making landing at GRU unsafe. The flight crew swiftly climbed back to 25,000 feet and initiated a rare diversion for such a large aircraft, prioritizing passenger safety amid the storm’s fury. The A380, registered A6-EVP, touched down safely at GIG, where passengers awaited improved conditions before continuing the final 40-minute leg to São Paulo.

This incident highlights the growing challenges airlines face due to increasing atmospheric instability during seasonal transitions in Brazil. Thunderstorms like this can form rapidly and intensify, reducing advance warning times and complicating flight operations at busy hubs like GRU—the country’s busiest international airport. The diversion caused a ripple effect of delays across domestic carriers, underscoring the need for enhanced predictive analytics, storm tracking, and infrastructure resilience to manage climate-driven disruptions.

For Emirates, the event tested the airline’s operational agility and crew preparedness on one of its premier long-haul routes serving Latin America. Despite the disruption, the quick decision-making and safe handling of the A380 demonstrated robust flight management systems and a commitment to passenger safety.

Passengers endured an unexpected detour that extended their journey and disrupted connections, but the incident serves as a stark reminder that even the largest, most advanced aircraft are vulnerable to nature’s forces. As climate volatility continues to impact global air travel, airlines and airports must evolve to maintain reliability and safety in an increasingly turbulent sky.

In sum, Emirates flight EK261’s storm-driven diversion from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro is a vivid case study in aviation’s new normal—where skill, technology, and adaptability meet the unpredictable power of weather.

Lufthansa has officially joined a growing roster of major international airlines—including Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Air India, Delta, United, and Japan Airlines—in rolling out new restrictions on the in-flight use of power banks.

The move comes amid mounting concerns over fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, as airlines worldwide tighten safety protocols to prevent midair incidents caused by overheating or faulty battery packs.

What’s Changing?
Passengers are still permitted to bring power banks in their carry-on bags, but under the new rules, these devices must remain off and unplugged for the entire flight. Charging your phone or tablet from a power bank midair is now strictly prohibited.

This policy shift, while subtle, is rooted in a serious safety concern: lithium-ion batteries, especially if damaged or poorly manufactured, can overheat and, in rare cases, catch fire—a risk that has already materialized more than once at cruising altitude.

Why the Crackdown?
For many travelers, a power bank is as essential as a passport, especially on long-haul flights. But these compact devices pack significant energy.

If a battery malfunctions—due to damage, manufacturing defects, or overheating—it can spark, smoke, or ignite. At 35,000 feet, even a small fire poses a major threat, with no fire department to call and limited resources to contain an emergency.

Fires involving lithium-ion batteries on planes have surged nearly 400% since 2015, now occurring almost twice a week, according to FAA data. Most incidents stem from damaged, defective, or counterfeit batteries, which can enter "thermal runaway," an uncontrolled release of energy that can lead to smoke, fire, or even explosions.

How Are Airlines Responding?
Lufthansa’s policy is part of a global trend toward stricter cabin safety standards. Here’s how other major carriers are handling the issue:

• Qatar Airways: Power banks are allowed in carry-on luggage (under 100Wh), but must remain off and unplugged during the flight.
• Emirates: Passengers can carry power banks, but cannot use or charge them onboard.
• Singapore Airlines: As of April 2025, passengers are not allowed to charge power banks or use them to charge devices during flight. Only power banks under 100Wh are allowed without special approval.
• Air India: No use or charging of power banks is permitted in-flight; devices must remain off.
• Delta, United, Japan Airlines: Similar restrictions apply—power banks must be off and not in use once the aircraft door closes.
• China Southern, Cathay Pacific: Charging is forbidden; using a power bank midair can result in confiscation or intervention by cabin crew.

What Should Travelers Do?
If you rely on a power bank for long flights, these new rules may seem inconvenient, but they are designed to protect everyone onboard. Here’s how to stay compliant:

• Pack power banks only in your carry-on, never in checked luggage.
• Ensure your power bank’s capacity is below the airline’s limit (usually 100Wh or 27,000mAh); anything above may require special approval.
• Do not use or charge your power bank during the flight unless the airline explicitly allows it.
• Be prepared to switch off and stow the device if instructed by cabin crew.

The good news: most modern international aircraft now offer USB outlets and charging points at every seat, reducing the need for personal power banks in-flight.

A Broader Aviation Trend
Lufthansa’s policy is not an isolated move, but part of a wider industry shift as airlines adapt to the surge in passenger electronics.

From smart bags to e-bikes, the aviation sector is rethinking what’s safe to carry in the cabin, especially as flights return to full capacity post-pandemic.

Regulators and airlines are expected to continue tightening rules around battery-powered devices in the months ahead.