Middle Eastern airlines' F&B policies during Ramadan

Ramadan Kareem! The Islamic month of Ramadan has started (a couple of days ago, actually), and ends on 5 July 2016. When I travelled to to London this time last year, I was piqued (amused, even?) at the absence of alcohol service at the Etihad First and Business Class lounge in Abu Dhabi (the earlier avatar of the new First class lounge launched in May this year). Now, I may have another visit to the UK coming up this year, again during the month of Ramadan, and many of you might also be flying a middle-east based airline, including one of the Big 3 - Etihad, Emirates and Qatar. So here's what you can look forward to during Ramadan.


In the air

Nothing really changes on board flights. Food and alcohol service will continue as usual on all of these three airlines (Etihad, Emirates, Qatar), except on flights to Saudi Arabia (which is anyway the case throughout the year). 

On-board bar on the Etihad A380

At the lounge

However, the story as regards lounge service is different. On the one hand, even though daylight hours during Ramadan are a time for fasting for Muslims, lounges will be open and will provide food service throughout the day. On the other hand, the three airlines have very different approaches to alcohol service in their lounges, both at their home country airports and overseas.

Qatar Airways has the most conservative policy of all, and will not be serving alcohol in any of their lounges in Doha, till the end of Ramadan. Day or night.

Al Mourjan lounge, Doha

Emirates, on the other hand, has the least conservative policy of all. There will be no changes to their normal service, including alcohol, at any of their lounges including the ones in Dubai International Airport. 

Emirates lounge, Dubai

Etihad seems to have taken the middle path, trying to balance out the demands of its international customers without offending Islamic sensibilities. So while there will be absolutely no alcohol service during daylight hours at the Abu Dhabi lounges, alcohol will not be displayed during daylight hours at lounges overseas (you can still order them at the bar, though).

New Etihad First Class lounge, Abu Dhabi

Conclusion

I don't think a one-size-fits-all approach works here, which is why I am actually (for a change) quite happy with the approaches of each of the 3 airlines. On matters like these, there is no "right" and "wrong" answer, and the managements of these airlines have clearly applied themselves, having regard to their respective histories, passenger demographics and other aspects, before coming out with these approaches.

If alcohol service in the lounge is your concern, you should be ensuring that your flight is on Emirates, or that you're transiting Abu Dhahi after sunset!

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