Does your airline serve alcohol?

For many discerning travelers, a glass of wine or champagne at cruising altitude is part of the luxury travel experience.

Alcoholic beverages are a hallmark of premium air travel, offering comfort and a sense of indulgence on long-haul journeys. However, airline alcohol policies differ significantly, especially among carriers from countries with religious or cultural prohibitions. Some airlines operate entirely dry cabins, while others have nuanced policies depending on routes and airspace.

To help you plan your next flight, we've curated an up-to-date overview of airlines that prohibit alcohol on board, along with key details about their specific rules and exceptions for 2025. 

Saudi Arabian Airlines strictly adheres to Saudi Arabia's national ban on alcohol. The production, importation, and consumption of alcoholic beverages are illegal throughout the country, and these regulations extend to all Saudia flights. No alcohol is served or permitted in any capacity on board, regardless of route or class of service.

Saudia also influences other airlines: several international carriers suspend alcohol service while flying to, from, or over Saudi airspace, ensuring compliance with local laws.

Kuwait Airways maintains a strict no-alcohol policy on all flights, in alignment with Kuwait’s national legislation. Passengers are not allowed to consume, carry, or request alcohol on board. The airline's dedication to this policy is unwavering, regardless of the route or destination.

EgyptAir

While EgyptAir does not provide alcoholic beverages on any of its flights, passengers are permitted to bring their own sealed alcohol purchased from duty-free. Cabin crew will assist by supplying glasses, ice, and mixers upon request. However, policies on personal alcohol may vary based on destination and security regulations, so it’s advisable to confirm before traveling.

Pakistan operates under strict alcohol restrictions, with limited exceptions for non-Muslims. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), however, enforces a total ban on serving alcohol across all cabins and routes—a policy in place since the late 1970s, following government directives.

Pakistan International Airlines

In contrast, Indian carriers such as Air India and Vistara permit alcohol on international sectors, but not on domestic flights. Passengers may carry duty-free alcohol in hand luggage on Indian domestic routes, but consumption is not permitted in-flight.

Royal Brunei Airlines

Royal Brunei Airlines operates dry flights in keeping with Brunei’s national laws. Although no alcohol is sold or served, travelers may bring their own duty-free alcohol for personal consumption during the flight. Cabin crew will provide glasses and ice as needed. However, all alcohol must be consumed before landing, as Brunei customs strictly confiscate any remaining upon arrival.

Iran Air enforces a comprehensive prohibition on alcohol in line with Iran’s national laws. No alcoholic beverages are served, carried, or allowed to be consumed on any Iran Air flight, regardless of destination or passenger status.

Jazeera Airways

Operating from Kuwait International Airport, Jazeera Airways has established itself as Kuwait's prominent budget carrier. In accordance with local regulations and company policy, Jazeera Airways does not offer, allow, or serve any alcohol on board its flights.

Based in Tripoli, Afriqiyah Airways, Libya’s national airline, maintains a zero-alcohol policy on all services, reflecting national regulations.

Some airlines in the region and beyond have route-specific alcohol rules. For example, Malaysia Airlines continues to restrict alcohol on domestic flights and short-haul routes under three hours, while maintaining full bar service on longer international journeys. These policies are designed to respect the cultural values of their primary customer base.

For travelers prioritizing wellness, it’s worth noting that minimizing alcohol intake during flights can help prevent dehydration and support better recovery from jet lag—an approach increasingly adopted by frequent flyers in 2025.