14 Dry Airlines

With Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newest national airline, taking to the skies in 2025, global travelers have more options than ever for premium journeys. However, those hoping for Champagne or a single malt at cruising altitude will need to adjust their expectations—Riyadh Air, like several others, maintains a strict no-alcohol policy in accordance with religious principles, meaning only zero-proof beverages are served on board.

For some, flying without alcohol is a non-negotiable, for others, it’s a minor detail, and for a few it’s a dealbreaker. But can you picture settling into a top-tier Business Class suite and not being greeted with a glass of sparkling wine? Or scanning the drinks list to find only artisanal mocktails and premium juices? 

This curated guide explores 14 airlines that are entirely dry, those that allow alcohol on certain routes, and carriers with a bring-your-own policy for discerning travelers:

Saudia, the flagship airline of Saudi Arabia, features a diverse fleet with both First and Business Class across select routes. The airline presents four tailored menus based on destination—Europe, Asia, the Americas, or the Middle East. Guests can enjoy an array of sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks, including signature mocktails and a premium selection of teas and hand-crafted coffees, paired with a four-course gourmet meal that may include caviar. All meats adhere to halal standards. In compliance with Saudi law, bringing alcohol on board is strictly forbidden and importing it into the country can result in severe legal consequences, including prosecution.

Royal Brunei Airlines stands out for its unique approach: while the carrier itself does not serve alcoholic beverages in any cabin, non-Muslim travelers are permitted to bring their own alcohol for personal consumption. The attentive crew will serve these drinks discreetly alongside their award-winning cuisine. On board, expect a refined selection of juices, mineral waters, and specialty teas. Brunei’s customs regulations allow passengers to import up to two liters of wine or spirits. After a brief 48-hour interval outside the country, travelers may repeat this allowance. Be prepared to complete declaration forms at customs upon entry.

Kuwait Airways, echoing its homeland’s regulations, maintains a strict alcohol-free policy. While the carrier’s Business Class offers spacious seating and diverse meal options, only non-alcoholic beverages are available. Upon boarding, guests are welcomed with a traditional cup of aromatic Arabic coffee. The drinks list features a wide range of juices and sodas, as well as freshly brewed coffee and four distinct teas. Despite official policy, anecdotal reports occasionally mention passengers being able to consume their own alcohol discreetly, though this is not endorsed and any bottles found upon arrival are confiscated. All luggage is subject to thorough screening by customs on entry into Kuwait.

Iran Air’s Business Class, known as Homa Class, features generously spaced seating in a 2-2 configuration, offering a comfortable experience on select international routes. The beverage selection is strictly non-alcoholic, focusing on classic soft drinks and regional specialties. Flights to Europe remain limited due to regulatory constraints. Dining onboard highlights Persian culinary traditions, with meals presented on elegant trays. Both the carriage and importation of alcohol are strictly prohibited, and violations can result in severe penalties under Iranian law.

Mahan Air, a key private airline in Iran, primarily serves Asian and Eastern European destinations. Business Class travelers can expect a robust variety of soft drinks, with a signature welcome beverage accompanied by warm nuts. Frequent flyers consistently praise the airline’s in-flight meal service and the attentive presentation of dishes, making for a refined alcohol-free journey.

PIA, Pakistan’s national airline, eliminated alcohol service in the late 1970s to align with Islamic traditions. Currently, no alcoholic beverages are offered in any cabin. Non-Muslim visitors may be permitted to bring limited quantities of alcohol in checked baggage and can find alcoholic drinks in select hotels and private venues. PIA was once celebrated for its premium service, though some travelers feel the absence of in-flight alcohol has impacted its competitive positioning among international carriers.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines does not serve alcohol on board, in line with the country’s cultural and religious norms. Alcohol is available for non-Muslim travelers in Dhaka, but it remains unclear whether passengers can consume personal bottles inflight. Duty-free purchases from airport shops are permitted in carry-on, though consumption during the flight is not officially sanctioned.

Beyond these international airlines, a number of regional carriers also enforce a dry policy.

Afriqiyah Airways, based in Libya, links Tripoli with destinations across Africa and Turkey. Although Tripoli International Airport has reopened in recent years, operations are still affected by the country’s ongoing instability. In accordance with Libyan law, alcohol is strictly forbidden on all flights. The Business Class menu is limited but includes regional cuisine and a selection of soft drinks.

Air Arabia, a leading low-cost carrier with hubs in the UAE, Morocco, and Egypt, enforces a clear no-smoking and no-alcohol policy across all flights. While passengers may pack unopened bottles in their checked luggage, consumption during the flight is not permitted. With access to duty-free shops at its main airports, travelers may purchase alcohol for later enjoyment at their destination, provided bottles remain sealed while on board.

Jazeera Airways, headquartered in Kuwait and operating from its dedicated terminal, is positioned as a budget-friendly option with a Premium cabin offering extra legroom and seat pitch. The airline does not serve alcoholic beverages, but passengers are allowed to bring their own, though self-service is not permitted and crew will not pour drinks. This policy allows some flexibility for travelers while adhering to local regulations.

Ariana Afghan Airlines operates primarily short-haul services from Kabul to regional destinations. Afghanistan prohibits the sale and possession of alcohol, and no alcoholic drinks are offered on board. Travelers should not expect to purchase or consume alcohol anywhere in the country or during their flight.

Iraqi Airways does not serve alcohol on any route. However, passengers traveling through Baghdad International Airport can purchase alcohol at the duty-free shop, though consumption on board is not allowed and bottles must remain sealed until arrival at your final destination.

Iran Aseman Airlines, which remains excluded from European airspace due to safety restrictions, strictly adheres to Iranian customs by not serving alcohol on any of its flights.

1. Cost Advantage: Premium cabins on dry airlines are frequently priced below those of competitors that offer in-flight alcohol. For instance, a Business Class fare from London to Kuwait on Kuwait Airways can be up to 30% less than a comparable British Airways ticket, making dry carriers attractive for value-focused luxury travelers.

2. Health and Wellbeing: Airlines like Saudia highlight that abstaining from alcohol helps maintain hydration and supports better health at altitude. While modern aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner now feature improved cabin pressurization and humidity, medical experts still advise that alcohol’s dehydrating effects are amplified during flight, potentially leading to headaches or fatigue. Saudia currently operates eighteen Dreamliners in various layouts.

3. Bring Your Own Option: On select dry airlines, passengers are permitted to bring their own alcohol for in-flight consumption—though only the crew may serve it to you. This policy, guided by ICAO and FAA recommendations, is designed to ensure safety and responsible behavior in the cabin. Flight attendants are trained to monitor consumption and prevent overindulgence, ensuring a safe and pleasant journey for all.

Other dry carriers include Pegasus Airlines (Turkey, low-cost), Batik Air (Malaysia), Syrian Air, Yemenia, Libyan Airlines, Sudan Airways, Turkmenistan Airlines, Air Koryo (North Korea), TAAG Angola Airlines, and Myanmar National Airlines.

Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, and Royal Air Maroc all serve alcoholic beverages on their flights.

Some airlines, such as Air Mauritius, serve alcohol exclusively on international sectors but not on domestic legs. The same applies to Turkish Airlines, Air India, Thai Airways, and Oman Air, where alcohol availability depends on the route.

Royal Brunei Airlines and Egyptair permit guests to carry their own alcoholic beverages for personal consumption, subject to national regulations and crew service.

Many airlines based in countries with a Muslim majority refrain from serving alcohol out of respect for religious and cultural beliefs. This policy reflects their commitment to upholding local traditions and ensuring compliance with national laws.