Emirates, Lufthansa, Etihad, Delta, Turkish, Malaysia and More: How Airlines Are Supporting Ramadan Travelers This Year with Exclusive Flights and Services

Written By: Rana Pratap

Rana Pratap

My formal education culminated with a Master's in English from Dibrugarh University in 2015, but my real-world learning began simultaneously. Over ten years ago, while still a student, I joined Travel and Tour World as an intern, eager to nurture my love for travel in a professional setting. It has been a privilege to grow with this company, maturing from that initial role into a leadership position. As a Senior Writer and Team Leader today, I comfortably blend my passion for travelling with years of industry experience along with mentoring a creative team.

See Full Bio

March 11, 2025 4:39 PM

Image generated with Ai

As Ramadan 2025 approaches, airlines like Emirates, Lufthansa, Etihad, Delta, Turkish Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and many others are offering exclusive flights and services to support Muslim travelers. Understanding the importance of this sacred time, these airlines are rolling out special initiatives to cater to the unique needs of those observing the fast. From additional flights for Umrah pilgrims to onboard iftar meals, prayer accommodations, and exclusive discounts, airlines are ensuring that travelers can enjoy a seamless journey while adhering to their religious practices. Here’s how these global carriers are stepping up this Ramadan with tailored services that make flying during the holy month both convenient and respectful.

From the Middle East to Southeast Asia and beyond, airlines are enhancing their travel experiences to make flying during Ramadan more convenient and respectful of religious traditions. Here’s a look at how some of the world’s leading airlines are catering to Muslim travelers this year.

Emirates Enhances Ramadan Travel with Extra Flights and Iftar Services

Emirates is among the leading airlines taking significant steps to improve the Ramadan travel experience. Recognizing the increase in demand for Umrah pilgrimages, Emirates has added extra flights to Jeddah and Medina, allowing more worshippers to travel conveniently.

Understanding the importance of breaking the fast on time, Emirates provides complimentary iftar meal boxes at boarding gates for passengers whose flights coincide with Maghrib (sunset). These meal boxes contain essential items such as dates, laban (yogurt drink), bananas, and water, ensuring that fasting passengers have access to nourishing food at the right time.

In addition to onboard services, Emirates has enhanced its airport lounges to reflect the spirit of Ramadan. Lounges in Dubai, Cairo, and Jeddah feature iftar spreads, where passengers can break their fast with traditional dishes and refreshments. The airline also offers dedicated prayer rooms, making it easier for travelers to observe their religious practices.

For those performing Umrah, Emirates continues its Zamzam water allowance, permitting travelers departing from Saudi Arabia to check in one free 5-liter bottle of Zamzam water, allowing them to bring home the sacred water without additional charges.

Qatar Airways Introduces Exclusive Ramadan Discounts and Iftar Services

Qatar Airways is making Ramadan travel more affordable with exclusive discounts and additional in-flight accommodations. This year, the airline is offering up to 25% off Economy Class fares and 15% off Premium Class tickets, making it easier for travelers to visit family, perform Umrah, or embark on religious journeys. Additionally, Qatar Airways’ loyalty program is offering 50% bonus Avios for flights booked during Ramadan.

To support fasting passengers, Qatar Airways provides iftar meal bags on flights across the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Africa, and Asia. These meals include vegetarian and non-vegetarian wraps, Arabic sweets, laban, and dates, ensuring passengers can break their fast in-flight.

At Hamad International Airport in Doha, Business and First Class passengers have access to a luxury iftar buffet at the Al Mourjan and Al Safwa lounges. These buffets feature a selection of traditional Arabic dishes, ensuring that passengers can comfortably break their fast while waiting for their flights.

In line with its commitment to serving Umrah travelers, Qatar Airways has introduced an extra 15kg baggage allowance on flights between Doha and Jeddah, allowing passengers to carry more essentials for their pilgrimage.

Etihad Airways Expands Ramadan Hospitality in the Skies

Etihad Airways has carefully curated a special Ramadan menu for flights during the holy month. Business Class passengers can enjoy lentil soup, lamb and date meatballs with saffron rice, and Umm Ali dessert, while Economy Class travelers receive dishes like biryani, Vimto mousse, and khabeesa.

For passengers who wish to pray, Etihad offers real-time Qibla direction finders on its entertainment screens, guiding travelers toward Mecca during their journey. Some long-haul flights even feature dedicated prayer areas, allowing passengers to pray comfortably onboard.

On the ground, Etihad has taken an inclusive approach by extending premium lounge access to all passengers during select Ramadan periods, allowing Economy Class travelers to enjoy a well-prepared iftar buffet before their flight.

Saudia Supports Umrah Travelers with Additional Flights and Iftar Services

As the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, Saudia plays a crucial role in Ramadan travel, particularly for Umrah pilgrims. This year, Saudia has increased its flight capacity to Jeddah and Medina, accommodating the surge of travelers performing the religious journey.

Saudia ensures that fasting passengers receive special Ramadan meal boxes, which include Ajwa dates from Medina, laban, sandwiches, and Arabic sweets. These meal boxes are distributed at iftar and suhoor times, aligning with the needs of fasting travelers.

For those flying long-haul, Saudia continues to provide dedicated prayer areas onboard, making it easier for passengers to observe their religious duties. At Saudi airports, the airline’s Al-Fursan lounges serve lavish iftar buffets, featuring Saudi specialties such as kabsa, jareesh, kunafa, and Arabic coffee.

To further support pilgrims, Saudia allows passengers to check in 5 liters of Zamzam water for free, ensuring they can bring the sacred water home without additional baggage fees.

Turkish Airlines Offers Special Ramadan Discounts and Iftar Meals

Turkish Airlines is celebrating Ramadan by offering up to 30% off flights from the Middle East to Turkey, Europe, and the United States, making it easier for Muslim travelers to visit family and perform religious journeys.

Onboard, passengers can enjoy Ramadan-themed meals, including dates, Turkish sweets, and traditional entrees. Business Class travelers are treated to a more extensive menu featuring hot meals and desserts inspired by Turkish Ramadan traditions.

At Istanbul Airport, Turkish Airlines lounges offer a variety of Ramadan delicacies such as pide bread, güllaç dessert, and grilled meats, allowing passengers to break their fast with familiar flavors.

Malaysia Airlines and Firefly Expand Flights for Eid Travelers

To accommodate travelers returning home for Eid, Malaysia Airlines has added over 200 additional flights across key domestic and international routes. The airline has also introduced a fixed fare policy, capping Economy Class fares at RM 499 ($106) to ensure that travel remains affordable.

Passengers departing from Kuala Lumpur International Airport can enjoy a Ramadan-inspired buffet in the airline’s Golden Lounge, featuring traditional Malay dishes such as bubur lambuk and bandung syrup.

How Other Airlines Are Supporting Ramadan Travelers

• Garuda Indonesia has scheduled direct Umrah flights from Jakarta, Surabaya, and Medan to Jeddah and Medina, catering to Indonesian pilgrims.
• Oman Air provides iftar snack boxes with fresh fruit, sandwiches, and laban, while Muscat Airport lounges serve Ramadan-themed meals.
• Gulf Air (Bahrain) supports community initiatives by distributing iftar meal boxes to passengers and locals during Ramadan.
• Royal Jordanian offers Jordanian specialties like mansaf and maqluba, while its airport lounges serve iftar buffets.
• EgyptAir ensures fasting travelers receive traditional Egyptian Ramadan meals and prayer accommodations onboard.

As Ramadan 2025 approaches, airlines such as Emirates, Lufthansa, Etihad, Delta, Turkish Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and more are offering exclusive flights, special iftar meals, prayer accommodations, and tailored services to support Muslim travelers. These initiatives are designed to make travel more convenient, comfortable, and respectful during the holy month.

A More Comfortable Ramadan Travel Experience

With airlines offering additional flights, exclusive discounts, iftar meals, and prayer accommodations, Ramadan 2025 promises to be one of the most accommodating travel seasons yet. From the luxury iftar buffets of Qatar Airways to Saudia’s dedicated Umrah services, airlines are recognizing the unique needs of Muslim travelers and adapting their services accordingly.

Whether flying for Umrah, family reunions, or business, travelers can now experience a seamless journey that respects their religious obligations while enjoying the comfort of modern air travel. ✈️🌙