Gulf Air rapped over alcohol

DRINKS BAN: An Islamist MP has said Gulf Air staff were upset over its insistence on serving alcohol to passengers during flights.

An Islamist MP said on Tuesday he would introduce a bill to ban the sale of alcohol on Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air.

Mohammed Khalid, representing the Muslim Brotherhood offshoot Al Menbar, said he was in talks with other political groups and MPs to ensure the state-owned airline complied “with the constitution of Bahrain that states Islam is the official religion and the source of its legislation.”

“Many of the people working for the airline are upset over its insistence on serving alcoholic beverages and this is against their religious beliefs and values since Islam condemns those who drink and those who offer wine,” said Khalid, in a statement reported by UAE daily Gulf News.

“I urge all airlines here to follow the decision of Bahrain Air and to comply with our religious values and stop offering alcoholic drinks,” he added.

Gulf Air announced earlier this month it was to completely overhaul its image to coincide with an expansion of its fleet of 35 aircraft.

The carrier began a major restructuring operation in April last year after it was revealed it was losing around $1 million a day.

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Choice
Posted by Rainigade, Dubai, UAE on Wednesday 23 April 2008 at 10:32 UAE time


I think some comments may come across as one-sided. However, the most important point is being missed in this discussion - the freedom of choice!

If people want to drink - either Westerner or not, they should have the choice to drink.

Those that dont, for religious reasons or otherwise, should have the choice not to.

Why is tolerance becoming such a rarity these days? Surely all religions and the very basis of humanity (for those agnostics & atheists out there) advocate peace, love and goodwill to all?

Generalisations such as "westerners dont respect the rules" are really unfair and untrue. The same could be said about SOME Muslims in Europe. People are just people and regardless of where they come from or what religion they follow, some follow the rules and some dont. Some have manners and some dont. Some have tolerance and some dont.

Banning something in the name of a religion and affecting a private business, resulting in loss of profits, jobs etc., simply isn't logic or good business sense.

Drinking vs. Smoking
Posted by Angry in Amwaj, Amwaj, Bahrain on Wednesday 23 April 2008 at 10:14 UAE time


Every time a person smokes, they affect not only their own health, but the health of those around them. Yes, a smoker is not only producing this disturbing noxious assortment within their own environment, but also the environment of any unfortunate individuals in close proximity. This means, I'm within breathing distance of a smoker, I'm also breathing in toxic detritus with possible adverse effects on my own health.

Drinking does not immediately adversely affect others within the drinker's proximity. It is true that alcohol abuse can, in some instances, affect others; an inebriated driver can be a danger to other drivers or pedestrians; an alcoholic can cause emotional or psychological distress to his or her family and friends, etc. Yet unlike smokers, if you're sitting next to a person who is drinking, they're not invading your environment with a flood of toxic substances.

The bottom line is that smoking is disgusting. In essence, one is igniting a collection of combustible materials, and inhaling the resulting toxic gases into one's system. This revolting collection of chemicals includes quite a few carcinogens as well as other substances that are generally bad for one's health.

ban it all
Posted by DON GREER on Tuesday 22 April 2008 at 23:15 UAE time

What a great idea; no drinking on airplanes because it is offensive for whatever reason. But why stop there? What about perfume? Some is too strong and some just unpleasant. Ban perfume because it offends. What about body odor? It definitely offends! Ban it. What about greasy hair? Who wants that on the seat next to them? It also offends. Ban it. What about poor dress? Now who wants to sit beside somebody that is poorly dressed? Ban them. What about over weight. Who wants to share an arm rest with a fat person? Ban fat people from flying. What about people that bring their own food on the plane? Ban that. Gum sticks to everything. Who really needs gum on a plane? Ban It. What about the person that uses a laptop on a plane. That is really bothersome; ban it too. Should a person be allowed to take their shoes off during a flight? Possible smelly feet there; ban it. Then there is that person that gets up to pee during a flight; hold it in or pay a penalty, or just ban it altogether. What about talking on a flight? That is really annoying; ban it. A baby crying on a flight is quite disturbing; ban having a baby on board. A person next to you with halitosis is terrible; ban it. What a slippery slope. It is no wonder private jets are becoming so popular again. On a private jet one can ban it all!

Well - let's see shall we?
Posted by David, Vancouver, Canada on Tuesday 22 April 2008 at 20:11 UAE time

Whilst I respect one's belief, you really have to ask a simple question: 'Are the same Islamist MP's wiling to offset the costs of NOT serving alcohol to non-Muslims on International flights?' - if they are, this will fly - if they're not, the airline WON'T. I'm not saying that this is the largest contributory factor why they're losing a million dollars a day, but look around you - many of the other GCC states do serve alcohol on their flights...simply because they lose business if they don't!. I've lived in GCC countries and many expats will agree with me that they won't fly a carrier if they don't offer alcohol, but while I'm working and living there I don't touch a drop - out of respect. Subjectively, I can see the MP's point of view where it impacts on the carriers' workers - but then that's a personal choice - if you don't like what the carriers' doing then QUIT YOUR JOB. Nobody held a gun to your head at the interview, so why the sudden change yet they're all happy receiving their big fat paychecks at the end of the month aren't they?.

And as for you Waheed, your arguments are baseless and shallow at best - you know full well that there are many Muslims who DO drink alcohol, many of them in public and if you don't think I'm being upfront just sit on many an Emirates or a Qatar (or even a GF) flight - and see for yourself...

Rebuttal for the Shallow Arguments
Posted by Waheed, Manama, Bahrain on Tuesday 22 April 2008 at 14:18 UAE time


You can not imagine how disappointed I was to read all the comments from the western non mulsims living in this region. Why do you so desperatly need to drink alcohol at any and every opportunity you can get. I think if you can not survive without a drink on a flight then you need to visit AA. Smoking is banned and I smoke, but hey it’s the rule of the carrier and I will abide by it and not through my toys around. And if you think that’s its up to the individual to partake then I disagree as I don’t want to sit next to someone who is drinking, the smell is annoying and repulsive as is the smell of smoke to some people.

I too am a westerner born in and bread in the UK, I as Muslim have to tolerate rules that I fundamentally disagree with, but have to abide by them as it’s the ‘culture of the natives’ so to speak. I only expect the same courtesy from non muslims when in a Muslim country or using companies that are operated by Muslim countries.

In response to Louie Tedesco's comments, please don’t try and second guess Islam, you are not a scholar and do not understand what is meant by segregation of sexes for purposes of free mixing.

In response to Revas comments, you obviously bear more malice in your heart than what appears in your speech, I find your comments insulting when you say ‘we cannot partake’ excuse me but as I mentioned we don’t want to partake in your desires so thank you very much but no thanks. Just wait till you get back home and you can drink like a fish to your hearts content.

Gulf Air alcohol todo
Posted by Reva on Sunday 20 April 2008 at 18:30 UAE time

Louie Tedesco's comment is the most brilliant ever on such a topic. In fact, it is a great argument that can be used whenever someone suddenly decides to get into the all Islamic and 'only protecting my culture' mode.

Don't just talk about banning what you don't like or personally cannot take part in; think about all the things that you may be doing now or enjoying the benefits of, that you will have to give up.

Alcohol
Posted by Richard M.Wason, Dubai, uae on Sunday 20 April 2008 at 12:03 UAE time

Many airlines have banned smoking - short as well as long haul.

Banning alcohol in flights will made flying comfortable, healthier and safer to all.

Do you feel comfortable that your children are sitting next to a person drinking?

A welcome proposal
Posted by Umar, Dubai, UAE on Sunday 20 April 2008 at 10:09 UAE time


It's high time this proposal came forward. An airline that is a flag carrier of a Muslim country should convey that country's beliefs.

Also, I have long felt that just as there are smoking and non-smoking sections on flights, there should be drinking and non-drinking sections too. Drinking is as injurious to health as smoking, and moreover why should a person who cannot stand the smell of alcohol have to sit next to person who is having alcohol?

The Gulf governments should also go a step further and ban alcohol outright. In fact, this should be adopted in the GCC charter.

shafi mahomed; drinks on Gulfair.
Posted by Leo, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Sunday 20 April 2008 at 09:23 UAE time

Would be interesting if Shafi went through all the comments on this subject and then justified his generalisations about all comments are bent on imposing the rights of western nations? Also interesting to note he is aware that most westerners do not respect the houses of those they visit. I wonder who told him this?

Gulf Air rapped over alcohol
Posted by Kate, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Sunday 20 April 2008 at 08:25 UAE time

Ban alcohol on all airlines - have you ever witnessed a drunk passenger harassing the cabin crew, and assaulting other travelers. It's really scary. The incidences of air rage would decrease if you removed alcohol from all flights - it's just as anti social as smoking when someone has consumed too much.

Segregate Male / Female Pax Too!
Posted by Louie Tedesco, Dubai on Sunday 20 April 2008 at 07:46 UAE time

If the Islamic values are to be maintained by Gulf Air they must also segregate their male and female passengers as well as providing separate washroom facilities on board. Cabin crew are expected also to only serve those of the same gender, in their specific seating areas. Of course the segregation must already be enforced during the terminal check-in process, with separate seating areas for men and women, distinct aircraft boarding procedures and extend through to collecting the luggage on arrival. Based on reader some reader comments, this should really make Gulf Air profits take off. Good luck with that.

Why only harp on alcohol? Either go the full way of Islamic tradition or accept that the world is a mix of different cultures and be willing to compromise. What the human race needs most right now are discussions that bring us together, not dredging up issues that tear us apart.

Gulf Air - banning alcohol on board
Posted by Richard Laughton, Kuwait on Saturday 19 April 2008 at 11:52 UAE time

Here we go again. Whilst most of us non-Moslems who have lived for a long time in the Gulf (I've been here for 32 years) do understand and appreciate that in certain circumstances it is correct that their values should be observed and integrated into certain activities and institutions, why do these fundamentalist fanatics keep on trying to constantly ram their religious requirements down all our throats?

Does Gulf Air only want to serve an extremist minority in the Moslem community or do they want to be seen to be part of the 21st century and serve the population of the world - including Moslems?

Are Moslems so lacking in self-discipline that they can't turn away from something that they do not partake of? And if this Islamist is so bent on banning alcohol in Gulf Air's aircraft, then why not ban alcohol completely in Bahrain?

Where is the logic in his demands? But then logic, tolerance and consideration for other peoples beliefs, customs and way of life do not seem to have any pace in the thinking of narrow minded extremists.

Alcohol on Gulf Air
Posted by The Consultant, Dubai, UAE on Friday 18 April 2008 at 15:09 UAE time

It's a shame that Shafi Mahomed can't put his argument across without resorting to personal insults and ludicrous accusations against someone he's never met. Hey ho.

Shafi, you seem to be confused about a few things. Firstly, we are talking about aircraft not houses. The main difference being that aircraft operate between international destinations, and it's therefore useful to be accommodating to various groups, including those who quite like a glass of wine with their in-flight meal.

No-one is imposing anything on anyone - even if there is alcohol on the flight, you don't have to have it if you don't want to; it's called live and let live and this tolerant attitude has worked very successfully in the lower gulf region for several decades.

As several other commentators have mentioned, Gulf Air would be perfectly within their rights to ban alcohol if they thought it made sense. The fact that they have not tends to suggest that the gain in "Islamist" passengers would not offset the loss of other passengers and one thing Gulf Air cannot afford at the moment is any reduction in passenger levels.

Ban on alcohol
Posted by babupeethambaran, dubai, uae on Thursday 17 April 2008 at 17:29 UAE time

I think it is a welcome decision if they implement a ban on alcohol in aircrafts. I have seen many people are mis behaving under the influence of alcohol.

Let them do it
Posted by Paul on Thursday 17 April 2008 at 16:17 UAE time


As a Westerner, I'd say if Bahrainis feel alcohol should be banned on their national carrier, then let them ban it. I doubt many Westerners choose an airline based on whether or not they serve alcohol. I guess the real issue is whether a political group which doesn't have a majority has the right to impose its will on a private business.

Respect Others
Posted by Shafi Mahomed on Thursday 17 April 2008 at 12:14 UAE time

All comments so far have been imposing the rights of the western nations. What about the rights of the rest of the world? Who's right is more important. The one in who's house you are in or the rights of your house that you are not in? Westerners in general do not respect the rights of the house of the people that they visit. You have the right to do as you please in YOUR house & not do as you please in the house of others. When western governments banned taking many items on board airlines in the name of safety I did not read or hear any of you complaining or saying that you will not travel with the airlines. To Margret see if you do not travel with Gulf Air that they will loose sleep over it. They will profit by having many more non drinkers traveling on their aircrafts. You are foolish & are in the Middle East only to exploit & steal from the Arabs. Alcohol is the only illness that is legally sold in a bottle. Think about it?

Ban on flights
Posted by Ali, Dubai on Thursday 17 April 2008 at 08:20 UAE time


Gulf Air is one of the region's cheapest airlines, and this is mainly why people choose to fly with them. Their competitive prices is what is making the airline survive over their rival's quality services.

Do they really have the right ban alcohol.. I don't know. However, I think if they did the ban is probably not going to last long.

Sale of alcohol on Gulf Air
Posted by zooey, sharjah, uae on Wednesday 16 April 2008 at 18:32 UAE time

It's about time somebody stood up against this. I support the "Islamist" campaign 100% and so does everyone I know.

And then let's tackle Sharjah Airport Duty Free shop - Sharjah is supposedly dry, but in the interests of business, this is slipping in many places in the Emirate.

Gulf Air Rapped Over Alchohol
Posted by Steven, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday 16 April 2008 at 13:54 UAE time

I do not drink on flights, even when going to the States. I do have to say that a lot of people drink while flying. Like religions, it should be a personal choice -- not a manadated one by persons who wish to impose their strict beliefs on another person. If Gulf Air is losing a million dollars a day, just think how much more they will lose then they alienate the people who do want to drink.

Gulf Air and alcohol
Posted by Rodger, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Wednesday 16 April 2008 at 13:44 UAE time

The MP's objection appears to be on the grounds that some of Gulf Air's staff don't like the fact that airline serves alcohol. However, alcohol has always been served by the airline - so if this was such a major concern why join Gulf Air in the first place?

Besides, the only people who are actually concerned in the serving of alcohol are cabin crew, many of whom are not muslim anyway. To suggest that a muslim employee is "connected" with the supply of alcohol because (s)he works in, say, the HR department seems to be stretching things a bit...

If the MP gets his way, Gulf Air staff will not have to worry about alcohol, in fact they won't have to worry about any aspect of the airline's operation because it will be out of business very quickly!

Banning alcohol on guif air
Posted by Margaret Darcy, Dhahran, saudi arabia on Wednesday 16 April 2008 at 10:17 UAE time

If Gulf Air gives in to this demand I will not be using this airline any more. I also have rights and if I want to drink alcohol it is up to me; I object to anyone forcing their beliefs on me.

Gulf Air and drinks on flights
Posted by Charlie, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday 16 April 2008 at 09:57 UAE time

I do not have a problem with them not asking you to take a drink but the person should had the right to ask for one. If it is an outright ban on drinks, Gulf Air will have fliers choosing other airlines.

Ban on flights
Posted by Leo, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Wednesday 16 April 2008 at 09:52 UAE time

Yet another attempt to diminish the credibility of Gulf Air as a viable product. Many other Islamic carriers work with this product on the basis that if your religious or personal views prohibit alcohol, you will not partake. Nobody will force you. It has been a great pity to see the gradual decline of this once great international carrier. Efforts such as this will certainly not improve matters.

Rapped Over Alcohol
Posted by ferooz, Muscat, Oman on Wednesday 16 April 2008 at 09:09 UAE time

It does not affect others on board the flight..it is the same as being served in Bahrain hotels and bars.
Muslim people know their way - either to go to the bar or to go to the Mosque to pray. They have options.

In the air people they have their aim to get in to the destination which they have paid for it thats all.

Gulf Air rapped over alcohol
Posted by M.Rodrigues on Wednesday 16 April 2008 at 08:37 UAE time

The Islamist MP's decision to ban should begin with Gulf Air Cabin Crew. At the arrival duty free most of the GF cabin crew happily help themselves in purchasing alcohol. There are more cabin crew staff than passengers who do purchase.

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