Fasting on a Flight This Ramadan? Read This Before You Take Off!

Fasting at cruising altitude is no small feat – literally and figuratively! I mean, imagine battling jet lag, dry cabin air, and the ever-tempting aroma of airplane meals. That’s what I call sky-high commitment (excuse the pun!). But don’t let altitude-induced hunger pangs or the fellow passenger’s gobble show shake your resolve. We know there are some questions that may cross your mind as you pack your bags for travelling. And, guess what – we’ve got the answers to all of them right here!

So, Can I Even Fast While Flying?

Short answer: Yes!

Long answer:  Also, yes! However, Islam provides a travel exemption for fasting, meaning you have the option to hit pause on your fast and make it up later if the journey is draining. Of course, if you feel that you’re totally up for the challenge, you’re free to continue fasting. Just don’t end up being that hangry passenger shooting daggers at the person unwrapping their sandwich right next to you!

Also read: Office Survival 101: Supporting Your Fasting Colleagues This Ramadan

Wait, When Do I Break My Fast Up Here?

Ah yes, the golden question that turns window seats into observation decks! Okay, so you need to just forget your departure and destination times. What matters is where you currently are in the sky. Or in simpler words, keep an eye out on the big ball of fire, the sun!  If it’s still flexing in the sky, keep fasting. If it’s dipped below the horizon, congratulations, it’s iftar o’clock finally!

Pro tip: Flying west? Buckle up for a longer fast because  the sun is known to take its own sweet time. And if you’re flying east, rejoice! Iftar is said to arrive sooner!

Also read: Why Ramadan 2025 in the UAE is Unlike Any Before

But Navigating Both – Suhoor and Iftar?

Juggling Suhoor and Iftar mid-flight can feel like a game of snack roulette, but here’s how to make it work:

Book Wisely – If possible, schedule flights that take off after Iftar and land before Suhoor. This way, you’re not playing a high-altitude guessing game with your meal times.

Pack Smart – Delays happen. Pack dates, nuts, and water, so you’re not at the mercy of unpredictable meal services.

Set Alarms – Jet lag is one sneaky villain! If you’re crossing time zones, make sure you don’t snooze through Suhoor aka your final chance to eat. Or better yet, let the flight crew know you’re fasting; they’re usually more than happy to assist!

Also read: You Know It’s Ramadan When… Dubai Residents Edition

Here Are A Bunch Of Top Tips for Fasting Like a Boss!

1. Pre-Fast Hydration 

Airplane cabins are basically flying deserts. Drink up before your fast begins to keep dryness at bay.

2. Don’t Go Overboard With Iftar

Overloading on a feast during your flight? Or worse, just before the boarding call? Not exactly what I’d call a great idea! Keep it light to avoid post-Iftar food comas at 30,000 feet.

3. Stretch And Move

Long-haul flights make it easy to stay seated, but stretching your legs helps with circulation and energy levels.

4. Know Your Fatwas

As mentioned a tad earlier, it’s all about breaking your fast according to your plane’s sunset time. Some airlines announce it, but when in doubt, window-watch like a hawk.

Airlines That Actually Get It – Iftar in the Clouds

Now, here’s some good news! Some airlines understand that fasting passengers don’t want to stare longingly at the food cart. Emirates provides pre-packaged iftar boxes with essentials like water and dates, and you can even grab them before takeoff. Qatar Airways offers specialized in-flight iftar services so you’re not left breaking your fast with just peanuts, while Etihad Airways adjusts meal schedules for fasting travelers, making the experience smoother.

Fasting while flying doesn’t have to be a turbulent experience. Plan ahead, pack right and get set to track the sun!

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