AirAdvisor Ranks Best Airlines for Ramadan Travel in 2026

Passenger advocacy organization AirAdvisor has released its 2026 ranking of the best airlines for travelers observing Ramadan, with Oman Air securing the top position. The evaluation, which assessed 15 international carriers, prioritized on-time performance, delay management for night flights, and the availability of halal-compliant services. Oman Air achieved the highest score of 9.2 out of 10, distinguishing itself with exceptional operational reliability during the holy month.

The ranking highlights the critical importance of punctuality and specialized services for passengers who are fasting. Flight delays, particularly in the evening, can disrupt the timing of Iftar, the meal for breaking the fast. Airlines that proactively address these needs demonstrate a higher level of service and operational control, which forms the basis of the AirAdvisor assessment.

Top Airline Performance Metrics

According to the AirAdvisor report, Oman Air's top ranking was supported by a remarkably low delay rate of just 0.43% during the evaluation period. Critically, the airline recorded no delays on night flights, a key metric for passengers needing to break their fast at a specific time. In addition to its operational performance, the carrier was recognized for its consistent provision of guaranteed halal food and attentive service around Iftar times.

Garuda Indonesia was ranked second with a score of 8.8/10. The Indonesian flag carrier was noted for its balanced performance across punctuality, night flight management, and consistent access to halal-compliant meals. A strong passenger rating of 4 out of 5 stars also contributed to its high placement in the ranking.

Securing the third position was Etihad Airways, which earned a score of 8.45/10. The Abu Dhabi-based airline recorded a delay rate of 0.98% and was commended for its reliable provision of special Ramadan meal services, making it a dependable option for fasting travelers on its extensive network.

Industry Focus on Specialized Services

Traveling during Ramadan introduces unique requirements that go beyond standard airline service. AirAdvisor founder Anton Radchenko emphasized this complexity in a statement. "Ramadan travel adds complexity to flights, especially on long-haul routes," Radchenko stated, as quoted by the Oman Observer. He added that the best-performing airlines are those that anticipate the needs of fasting passengers, rather than treating them as special requests.

This trend of anticipating passenger needs is visible across several carriers in Muslim-majority countries. For example, Qatar Airways provides dedicated Iftar and Suhoor meal packages with clearly announced serving times across its long-haul network. Saudia is also known for its comprehensive Ramadan service and support systems for fasting passengers. Etihad Airways offers complimentary Ramadan meals on certain long-haul routes and adapts its airport lounges to include traditional Ramadan dishes.

While some airlines have integrated these services, others still require passengers to take proactive steps. Many carriers can accommodate special meal requests for Iftar or Suhoor, but they typically must be submitted 48 to 72 hours before departure. In-flight entertainment systems are also frequently updated, with airlines like Etihad and Saudia including special religious or Ramadan-themed content during the holy month.

Why This Matters

This ranking provides a crucial tool for passengers planning travel during Ramadan, allowing them to select carriers based on data-driven performance metrics directly relevant to their needs. For the airlines, the report underscores the growing importance of catering to specific cultural and religious requirements as a key service differentiator. It highlights that operational excellence, particularly punctuality, combined with thoughtful service design, can build significant passenger loyalty within a key travel demographic.

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