**Ramadan 2026: Anticipations When Traveling with Gulf Airlines**
As Ramadan 2026 commences on February 17 and continues until March 19, passengers using the “big three” Gulf airlines—Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways—might observe some modifications in service to honor the holy month. Here’s a brief overview of what to anticipate.
**Iftar Meals During Flights**
In Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset. To support fasting travelers, Gulf airlines will offer an Iftar meal on the majority of flights, enabling passengers to break their fast post-sunset. Passengers who are not fasting can enjoy meals as they normally would.
**Onboard Alcohol Regulations**
Generally, the alcohol service remains consistent during Ramadan on flights with Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways, except on routes heading to Saudi Arabia, where alcohol is prohibited year-round. Nevertheless, there might be minor variations in the way alcohol is served:
– On Qatar Airways’ A380, alcohol may be kept beneath the bar instead of being openly displayed.
– For Etihad and Qatar Airways, alcohol might be served in the galley for first and business class passengers rather than directly at the seat, though this can differ by crew.
**Alcohol Availability in Lounges**
While on the ground, Emirates continues its standard alcohol service in lounges globally during Ramadan. In contrast, Etihad and Qatar Airways do provide alcohol in their lounges but refrain from showcasing it at the bar. This reflects a more lenient approach compared to past years when alcohol was not available in lounges during Ramadan.
**Final Thoughts**
Gulf airlines aim to find a balance between honoring Ramadan customs and serving international passengers. If you plan on flying with Emirates, Etihad, or Qatar Airways during Ramadan, anticipate primarily normal operations with slight modifications. Feel free to share your experiences if you travel with these airlines during this time!