If you're interested in visiting Saudi Arabia but want to make sure your journey is Shariah-compliant, read our guide below. We cover which airlines to fly with, where you can fly to/from and how to make the most out of your Shariah-compliant trip.
A Shariah-compliant flight is a flight that follows Islamic law (Sharia) principles to provide a comfortable and respectful travel experience for Muslim passengers. It typically involves gender segregation, halal food and beverages, in-flight entertainment restrictions and dress codes.
Gender segregation
On Shariah-compliant flights, there are separate seating sections or cabins for men and women, with dedicated restrooms and prayer areas.
Halal food and beverages
Meals and drinks on board will comply with Halal guidelines, avoiding alcohol, pork and other prohibited items.
In-flight entertainment restrictions
Films, music and other forms of entertainment may be limited or absent to avoid inappropriate content.
Dress code
Airlines will often encourage modest attire that respects Sharia principles on Shariah-compliant flights
Shariah-compliant airlines serve Muslim travellers who are seeking flights that stick to Islamic principles. These airlines implement various practices to align with Sharia law, offering a sense of comfort and respect for religious beliefs during the journey.
Of all airlines that offer Shariah-compliant flights, Saudia is the most popular choice, particularly for flights to and from Saudi Arabia. The airline offers several Shariah-compliant services and caters to travellers seeking a faith-based journey.
Gender segregation:
Saudia operates dedicated sections on specific routes and aircraft, particularly those serving major pilgrimage destinations like Mecca and Medina. These sections offer gender segregation with separate seating for men and women, ensuring privacy and following Islamic principles.
Halal food and drink:
All food and drinks served on Saudia's flights are Halal and strictly comply with Islamic dietary guidelines. This means no alcohol and pork products are served onboard. The airline also follows proper Halal preparation and storage methods.
Prayer facilities:
Prayer areas are available in Shariah-compliant sections of the cabin - some are equipped with Qibla indicators to help passengers determine the direction of prayer. Announcements are also made onboard reminding passengers of prayer times.
Restricted entertainment:
Inappropriate content like movies with offensive scenes or music videos with explicit lyrics is not accessible in Shariah-compliant areas of the cabin. Alternative entertainment options that comply with Islamic values, such as lectures or documentaries, are offered.
Shariah-compliant Saudia flights:
Flynas is a low-cost Saudi Arabian carrier that is known for offering dedicated Shariah-compliant sectors on select routes.
Gender segregation:
There are distinct sections within Flynas' Airbus A320 aircraft specifically designed for Shariah-compliant travel. Separate seating areas are available for men and women, ensuring privacy and complying with Islamic principles.
Halal food and drink:
All food and drinks served on Flynas' flights are Halal and strictly comply with Islamic dietary guidelines. This means no alcohol and pork products are served onboard. The airline also follows proper Halal preparation and storage methods.
Prayer facilities:
Prayer areas are available in Shariah-compliant sections of the cabin - these are equipped with Qibla indicators to help passengers find the direction of prayer. Announcements are also made onboard reminding passengers of prayer times.
Restricted entertainment:
Inappropriate content like movies with offensive scenes or music videos with explicit lyrics is not accessible in Shariah-compliant areas of the cabin. Alternative entertainment options that comply with Islamic values, such as lectures or documentaries, are offered.
Shariah-compliant Flynas flights:
Royal Brunei Airlines offers a dedicated Shariah-compliant experience known as 'Istana Exclusive' that caters solely to travellers who are seeking a faith-based trip. Royal Brunei Airlines offers the entire aircraft for its Shariah-compliant flights, ensuring complete adherence to Islamic principles throughout the flight.
Gender segregation:
The entire aircraft is divided into separate cabins for men and women. This provides absolute privacy and respects Islamic gender segregation rules.
Halal food and drink:
All food and drinks served onboard Royal Brunei's flights are strictly prepared and certified as Halal. Alcohol and pork products are strictly prohibited.
Prayer facilities:
There are dedicated prayer facilities available on board equipped with Qibla indicators to help passengers find the direction of prayer.
Restricted entertainment:
Any movies or music that have explicit/offensive material will not be available onboard. There will be alternative options like Islamic lectures and documentaries.
Shariah-compliant Royal Brunei Airlines flights:
Royal Brunei Airlines offers 'Istana Exclusive' on dedicated Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. With this aircraft, Royal Brunei Airlines flies frequently to/from Jeddah and Medina in Saudi Arabia.
There are no specific airports in Saudi Arabia that are completely Shariah-compliant, however, there many airports in the Kingdom that cater to Muslim travellers, offering facilities and services that are in line with Islamic principles. Some examples include:
King Abdulaziz International Airport: Located in Jeddah, it offers a variety of amenities for Muslim travellers including prayer rooms, designated ablution areas and halal food options. It also has dedicated terminals for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport: This airport, located close to the holy city of Medina, features prayer rooms, halal food options and designated areas for ablutions. This is a convenient gateway for pilgrims.
Dammam King Khalid International Airport: Situated in Dammam, this airport has a good selection of services for Muslim travellers including prayer rooms, ablution areas and halal food options. It's also a major hub for flights to other destinations in the Middle East.
To find out more information about Saudi Arabia's airports, take a look at our dedicated Saudi airports guide.
Before visiting Saudi Arabia, it's important to research cultural sensitivities, dress modestly, respect alcohol regulations and be aware of gender segregation practices. You can find out more information about this in our blog - Saudi Arabia Travel Advice.
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A Shariah-compliant flight refers to flights that align with Islamic principles. This includes:
If you'd like to book flights with airlines that offer Shariah-compliant journeys, there are a few popular airlines you can fly with:
You can book flights with Saudia, Flynas and Royal Brunei Airlines right here at Alternative Airlines. Use our search form at the top of the page to begin your search for Shariah-compliant flights to Saudi Arabia.
To find Shariah-compliant flights to Saudi Arabia on our site, we recommend booking your flights with Saudia, Flynas or Royal Brunei Airlines here at Alternative Airlines.
Enter your departure and arrival airports, the number of passengers flying and the dates you wish to travel into our search form at the top of the page. You can filter out the search results to show flights operated by specific airlines, and then view details on the cabin experience, meal options and more.
Most or all airports in Saudi Arabia have services and amenities that can help you achieve your Shariah-compliant journey to Saudi Arabia.
The airports that offer the most facilities that cater to Muslim travellers include King Abdulaziz International Airport, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Dammam King Khalid International Airport and King Fahd International Airport.
Yes! At Alternative Airlines, we offer Tamara at checkout, a popular Buy Now Pay Later payment plan provider that lets you pay for your flights in 2, 3 or 4 instalments over time.
Tamara is Shariah-compliant. To find out more about booking Shariah-compliant flights and paying later with Tamara, take a look at our page dedicated to the Tamara BNPL.
