Etihad and Emirates Introduce Special Ramadan 2026 Services for Fasting Passengers
In conjunction with the commencement of Ramadan 2026, Emirates and Etihad Airways have launched several services tailored to assist travelers who will be fasting during their journeys. The airlines will provide iftar meals, snack boxes, and mats to facilitate prayer, and will feature religious programming. These efforts will enhance the traveling experience during Ramadan.
With these services, the airlines emphasize their efforts to accommodate the needs of Muslim travelers, especially those traveling on long-haul flights during fasting hours.
Etihad Airways Launches Ramadan-Inspired Menus Across All Cabins
Etihad Airways has launched distinct Ramadan-menus for each of its travel classes. The airline’s menus for Ramadan feature high quality ingredients, while also utilising traditional Middle Eastern ingredients.
First Class and The Residence passengers will experience a quintessential iftar meal at 30,000 feet. These passengers will be served slow cooked lamb shank. To complement this meal, Emirates will serve a pistachio and chocolate kunafa cake.
Emirate Business Class passengers will be served chicken mandi and flowers and rubies mousse to name a few. In Economy Class, lamb and chicken Arabic braised chicken are served on a bed of vermicelli rice. These meals are all meant to honour Ramadan.
For passengers whose flights do not coincide with iftar or suhoor timings, Etihad provides convenient takeaway bags. These can be collected before boarding or after landing, allowing fasting travelers to break their fast comfortably at the appropriate time.
Special Ramadan Offerings in Airport Lounges
Etihad has taken its Ramadan hospitality further than just the aircraft cabin. Guests of the First and Business Class lounges at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow can enjoy iftar platters. The menu includes Arabic-spiced grilled lobster and traditional desserts like rose and pistachio mahalabia. This considerate detail allows premium travelers to observe their Ramadan routine while passing time at the airport before their flights. Moreover, Etihad has added Ramadan-related content to the E-Box inflight entertainment system. Passengers will be able to enjoy cooking shows and programs about cultures and religion during the holidays.
Emirates Provides Iftar Boxes and Prayer Mats Onboard
Emirates has launched new services for Ramadan, targeting customers who will be fasting. The airline will provide iftar boxes with light snacks at selected departure gates and during iftar time on some flights.
The boxes usually contain items such as dates, and sandwiches as well as some sweets like baklava in addition to the regular in-flight meal service. Passengers can use the iftar box to break their fast while traveling.
As a courtesy to the passengers, the flight captain will make an announcement for the passengers to break their fast as the captain has calculated the sunset for the passengers.
The airline has complimentary branded prayer mats available for all passengers who wish to perform their prayers.
Ramadan Programming on Emirates’ Ice System
Emirates has improved their ice inflight entertainment system by adding more Ramadan specific inflight entertainment Ramadan has become more accessible. the addition of many religious and culturally significant titles.
New additions to the Arabic collection include titles such as Kheir Qodwa, Wa Yatoub Allah Alaykom, and Qalb Al Mo’men. Urdu speaking passengers can also enjoy the collection as it features the titles of Ramadan Mah e Rehmat and Hoshyarian which target the South Asian community. In addition, the system allows passengers to access and read the Quran from their personal screens.
To provide more entertainment for passengers, the airline has also included the dramas Ma Tarah Laysa Kama Yabdo, Febrayer Al Aswad, and Al Mtwassf. which have been specifically selected to suit the mood of passengers after iftar.
Enhancing the Ramadan Travel Experience
By introducing iftar meals, snack boxes, prayer facilities, and dedicated religious programming, Emirates and Etihad are making it easier for fasting passengers to observe Ramadan while traveling.
These initiatives demonstrate the UAE’s broader commitment to serving Muslim travelers with culturally sensitive and spiritually supportive services. Whether flying for business, family visits, or Umrah connections, passengers can now experience a journey that respects and accommodates their religious practices during Ramadan 2026.
