10 Dry Airlines That Don't Serve Alcohol

What are dry airlines?

Dry airlines are airlines that don't serve passengers alcohol and don't allow passengers to drink their own alcohol on flights.

Most airlines that prohibit alcohol are based in the Middle East, with some extending to parts of Asia. This is often due to religious and cultural reasons, especially in countries with significant Muslim populations where alcohol is restricted or banned. However, not all airlines based in Muslim-majority countries are dry airlines. Emirates, based in Dubai, has invested around 1 billion dollars in wine since 2006 and serves alcohol onboard.

Dry airline policies are shaped by several reasons: religious values (especially in Muslim-majority countries), legal restrictions in certain regions where alcohol is prohibited, and health concerns since alcohol affects the body more at high altitudes. Airlines may also aim to reduce unruly passenger behaviour or simplify service, especially on budget carriers to save money.

Why choose a dry airline?

There are many reasons why someone might prefer to fly with an airline that doesn't offer alcohol. Religious beliefs, past struggles with addiction, age restrictions, or simply a desire to avoid potentially disruptive passengers are all valid motivations. Whatever your reason, this guide can help you find the best dry airline for your journey.

Which airlines are dry?

1. Saudia

Saudi Arabia's national airline, Saudia, adheres to Islamic law which prohibits drinking alcohol. Instead, they offer plenty of soft drinks, tea, and coffee. They also provide halal food options. Due to their no-alcohol policy onboard, trying to sneak any alcohol onto your flight could lead to legal consequences.

Please note that if you're flying to Saudi Arabia, you must not bring alcohol with you at all, whether it stays in your hand or checked luggage, or you risk prosecution.

2. Egyptair

Egyptair is Egypt's national flag carrier, and its airline is based in Cairo International Airport (CAI). Although alcohol is legal in Egypt and available at Cairo Airport, Egyptair doesn't have alcoholic beverages onboard. You can bring your own liquor in your hand luggage, but drinking it during the flight is usually not permitted. Confirm with the cabin crew during your flight to find out what the rules are about drinking onboard.

3. Air Arabia

Air Arabia is a low-cost airline based in the United Arab Emirates. They don't permit drinking alcohol onboard. If you want to purchase an alcoholic beverage while at duty-free, you can do so as long as it's kept sealed in your hand luggage.

4. Kuwait Airways

Kuwait Airways' head office and main hub are based at Kuwait International Airport. Kuwait Airways don't allow any alcohol on board, including checked and hand luggage. However, passengers can enjoy complimentary hot meals and a welcome cup of freshly brewed Arabic coffee.

5. Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines, often called Turkish Air, is Turkey's national airline. They don't serve alcohol on domestic flights; however, they do on international flights. On international flights, options include complimentary wine, beer, and spirits, depending on the class and route.

6. Royal Brunei Airlines

Royal Brunei Airlines is the government-owned national airline of Brunei. They don't serve alcoholic beverages on their flights. However, non-Muslim passengers can bring their own alcohol to drink while on the plane, though it's best to consult cabin crew first, which can go nicely with their award-winning food menu.

7. Pakistan International Airlines

Pakistan International Airlines is Pakistan's national airline and operates both international and domestic flights. Alcohol was banned onboard in the 1970s in line with national Islamic values.

If you're not Muslim, you may be permitted to bring a bottle in your checked luggage, but that bottle cannot be drank onboard. Instead, they offer a selection of food and non-alcohol-based drinks.

8. Iran Air

Iran Air is the national carrier of Iran and is owned by the Iranian Government. It follows Islamic law and does not serve alcoholic beverages on any of its flights. Meals are included with an economy-class ticket, and the menus are focused on Iranian cuisine.

9. Jazeera Airways

Jazeera Airways is an airline based at Kuwait International Airport. They made history for being the first non-government-owned airline in the Middle East.

The airline allows passengers to take alcohol on board, but they will not serve it due to religious reasons. Business class includes complimentary food, which changes every month. However, economy tickets only include free meals on flights to Cairo.

10. Iraqi Airways

Iraqi Airways is the flag carrier of Iraq and is headquartered at Baghdad International Airport in Baghdad. For religious reasons, no alcoholic beverages are served onboard Iraqi Airways flights. However, complimentary non-alcoholic soft and hot drinks will be available.

While this airline refrains from serving alcohol, Baghdad Airport has recently launched a duty-free shop where passengers can buy alcohol. Passengers are allowed to take their purchases onboard as long as they don't open the bottles.

Other notable dry airlines include:

• Pegasus Airlines
• Syrian Air
• Yemenia
• Libyan Airlines
• Sudan Airways
• Turkmenistan
• Biman Bangladesh Airlines
• Ariana Afghan Airlines

Dry airlines that let you bring your own alcohol

• Egyptair
• Royal Brunei Airlines
• Jazeera Airways
  

Airlines with partial or route-specific alcohol policies

• Turkish Airlines: Alcohol served on international but not domestic flights.
• Air India: Alcohol on international routes; restrictions during domestic or short-haul flights.
• Oman Air: Alcohol is available on most flights, but service may be suspended during Ramadan or on specific routes.

Important notes about travelling with alcohol

When travelling with alcohol, it's important to understand both airline and destination rules. As stated earlier, some dry airlines allow you to bring alcohol onboard (generally in sealed duty-free bags). But some international aviation regulations, such as those from the FAA, may prohibit self-service or set certain limits on which alcohol you can bring.

Only the cabin crew can serve alcohol, and only if the airline allows it. Always ask for permission before consuming alcohol you’ve brought onboard if you're flying with an airline that allows you to bring alcohol onboard.

Policies can differ depending on the airline, route, crew discretion, and even the airspace you fly through. In some cases, especially when landing in countries with strict alcohol laws, you may be required to get rid of any alcohol before arrival.

Violating these rules could lead to:

• Fines
• Confiscation of alcohol
• Denied boarding
• Legal prosecution at your destination

Countries with complete or partial alcohol bans

Complete bans (against the law to bring, have, or consume alcohol):

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Libya, Iran, Afghanistan, Sharjah (United Arab Emirates), and Somalia

Partial bans (alcohol may be restricted to licensed venues, limited for non-Muslims, or banned during specific times like Ramadan):

• Brunei - alcohol allowed for non-Muslims in limited amounts, but not sold locally
• Pakistan - banned for Muslims; non-Muslims may have limited access
• Sudan - heavily restricted; laws vary by region
• Bangladesh - technically legal but highly restricted
• Maldives - alcohol allowed in resorts only, not for locals or in public areas
• Yemen - officially banned, with very limited exceptions
• Qatar - limited access for non-Muslims, with strict laws around public intoxication
• Others are strictly limited - Iran, Pakistan, and Syria

Always research the laws at your destination, and check your airline’s alcohol policy before flying.

Dry airports and lounges

Some of the same religious and legal restrictions that influence dry airlines also apply to airports and airport lounges in many regions.

Major dry airports:

• King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Saudi Arabia
• King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Saudi Arabia
• Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Kuwait
• Bandar Seri Begawan Airport (BWN), Brunei
• Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), Iran
• Baghdad International Airport (BGW), Iraq

Alcohol is not sold or served in these airports' public areas or lounges. While some duty-free shops may sell sealed alcohol (such as in Baghdad), drinking it in the airport is usually not allowed. Lounges in these airports also do not serve alcohol, regardless of ticket class.

During Ramadan, some airports and airlines that normally serve alcohol may also stop serving alcohol altogether or limit it to specific lounges or flights.

Navigating dry airports and lounges

• Expect a focus on premium non-alcoholic beverages: Arabic coffee, herbal teas, juices, and mocktails.
• If you're used to having a drink before your flight, consider alternatives like a specialty coffee or a fresh juice.
• Don’t plan to consume your own alcohol, even if purchased duty-free, as it's usually not allowed and you may face legal consequences such as fines or arrest.
• Lounge experiences may focus more on cultural hospitality, food, and relaxation than bar service.

Airlines that do serve alcohol

These are some popular airlines that offer alcohol. Check their menus and your ticket information to see if your flight includes a complimentary beverage.

American Airlines:

• Free drinks are included on domestic flights between Dallas/Fort Worth and Hawaiian cities.
• Free drinks are available on international flights between the U.S. and Europe, Asia, and certain countries in South America.
• Alcohol is purchasable in economy class and complimentary for the upper classes.
  

Alaska Airlines:

• Alcohol is only available for purchase in economy but complimentary for premium ticket passengers.
  

British Airways:

• They offer free drinks on long-haul flights as well as breakfast/lunch/dinner, depending on the time of flight. This includes a starter, main and dessert.
• On short-haul flights, if you're in economy class, you have to pay for your drinks.

Discover more worldwide airlines we ticket ⭐

Conclusion

There are various reasons why an airline might choose not to serve or allow alcohol. For those who prefer flights without alcohol, there are many great options available. Knowing whether an airline does or doesn't serve alcohol can help you make a more informed decision when planning your trip.

With Alternative Airlines, you can choose from over 600 airlines - including many dry airlines - and book the flight that best suits your preferences. Plus, with flexible Buy Now, Pay Later options, you can spread the cost of your ticket and travel on your terms. Book with us now and have the freedom to pick your perfect flight.

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