You may have noticed cabin crew on various airlines serving alcohol to passengers. However, did you know that not all airlines around the world offer this service? That's correct! Some airlines choose not to serve alcohol during flights. The reasons for this decision can be related to the culture of their country or the airline's commitment to safety. Here is a list of 10 airlines that do not serve alcohol on their flights.
1. Kuwait Airways
Kuwait Airways, the national carrier of Kuwait in the Middle East, maintains a strict no-alcohol policy across all flights. This is due to Islamic laws prohibiting alcohol service, possession, or consumption onboard, including duty-free items. The dry policy is the same across economy, business, and first class. They instead offer juices, soft drinks, Arabic coffee, and halal meals. This policy reflects Kuwait's zero-tolerance culture, which even transit passengers comply to.
2. Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Biman Bangladesh Airlines of Bangladesh, does not serve alcohol on any of its flights. This policy is in line with national regulations. It caters to its Muslim-majority passengers with a fully dry cabin service. Instead of alcoholic beverages, passengers can enjoy a selection of teas, coffees, fresh juices, and non-alcoholic cocktails. TAdditionally, personal consumption of duty-free liquor is not allowed. The crew is trained to report any violations, which may result in fines.
3. Royal Brunei (BI)
Royal Brunei Airlines of Brunei, has a strict zero-alcohol policy. This policy does not allow the service of alcohol, personal consumption, and the opening of duty-free items on board. This is in accordance with Brunei's Sharia-influenced laws. Instead, passengers can enjoy mocktails, fresh juices, and premium teas. On long-haul routes business class offers an enhanced selection of non-alcoholic beverages. Violating the alcohol policy may result in the risk of confiscation. While the airline allows sealed duty-free items to be carried on board, it also mentions that consumption is not permitted for safety reasons.
4. Air Arabia (G9)
Air Arabia, the UAE-based low-cost carrier, strictly follows a no-alcohol policy on all its flights. The airline doesn't allow both the service and consumption of alcoholic beverages onboard. Smoking and drinking are completely banned. The crew can confiscate any opened duty-free or personal bottles. Instead, passengers can enjoy complimentary water, juice, tea, coffee, and soft drinks. This policy aligns with UAE cultural norms. It allows sealed carry-on duty-free items during transit.
5. Jazeera Airways (J9)
Jazeera Airways, Kuwait's low-cost airline has a complete alcohol ban on all flights, This means no alcohol service, possession of open bottles, or consumption permitted due to Kuwaiti Islamic laws. Passengers can try juices, soft drinks, Arabic coffee, and snacks instead. The duty-free alcohol is allowed to be sealed. Opening of these bottles might lead to denial of boarding. This policy prioritizes safety and cultural sensitivity.
6. Egypt Air (MS)
EgyptAir, the national airline of Egypt does not serve alcohol on its flights. This policy applies to both economy and business class. It reflects the national customs despite the availability of alcohol at Cairo Duty-Free. Personal consumption of duty-free liquor on board is not allowed. Violations can result in fines or removal from the flight. Passengers can enjoy a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, such as juices, teas, and mocktails, which are offered instead. This dry policy applies to flights to and from Muslim-majority regions.
7. Iraqi Airways (IA)
Iraqi Airways, Iraq's national carrier has a strict no-alcohol policy across all flights. It does not allow service, personal consumption, or opening of duty-free bottles onboard. Passengers instead get complimentary non-alcoholic drinks like juices, teas, and Arabic coffee. This policy reflects their compliance with Islamic cultural standards. Passengers may carry sealed duty-free items from Baghdad's shops.
8. Pakistan International Airlines
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Pakistan's flag carrier bans all alcohol service. This is as per the national Islamic regulations. They instead serve non-alcoholic options like juices, soft drinks, and Pakistani teas. The checked baggage permits sealed bottles for non-Muslims (up to 2 litres). If a passenger is found violating the rules, the cabin crew enforces zero tolerance.
9. Saudi Arabian Airlines
Saudia, Saudi Arabia's national airline has a no alcohol service policy. It is applied across all cabins, banning service, possession of open bottles, or consumption due to strict Islamic laws. Passengers receive premium juices, dates, Arabic coffee, and mocktails in flight instead. The sealed duty-free alcohol bottle are not allowed even in checked bags on arrival in Saudi Arabia. The policy enhances halal appeal for pilgrims and business travelers.
10. Airblue (PA)
Airblue (PA), Pakistan's private low-cost carrier, maintains a fully dry policy on all flights. It does not serve or allow consumption of alcohol onboard, including duty-free. Soft drinks, juices, and snacks are served for passengers. This policy is in alignment with Pakistani cultural norms. The sealed bottles are allowed in checked luggage only.
So the next time someone says that all airlines serve alcohol, you know the names of the rare ones that don’t! Make sure you save this and also share it with your friends to help them upgrade their aviation knowledge.
