Top Muslim-friendly airports in non-Muslim countries

As the global travel landscape has evolved in recent years, especially post-pandemic, one segment that has emerged is that of the Muslim travel market. According to CrescentRating, in 2024,  Muslim international arrivals hit 176 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 10%. By 2030, this number is expected to climb to 245 million, with spending forecast to reach $235 billion.  These figures underline the market’s economic potential and signal its growing clout in shaping travel trends. 

Catering to the rise of the Muslim travel market
There’s truth to the saying, “First impressions last”, especially when it comes to arriving in a new destination. While the Muslim travel market is incredibly diverse, a few universal needs consistently shape traveler preferences. Chief among them are access to halal-certified food, clearly designated prayer spaces with proper qibla direction and gender separation, and accessible ablution (wudu) facilities. When these essentials are available, Muslim travelers are far more likely to choose destinations that accommodate their faith-based requirements over those that do not. 

This has prompted a growing number of international airports in non-OIC (non-Muslim-majority) countries to invest in Muslim-friendly infrastructure.

According to CrescentRating, the key criteria used to assess Muslim-friendly airports include access to halal-certified food in both public and secure transit zones, dedicated prayer spaces with appropriate signage and qibla direction, gender-separated facilities, and accessible wudu stations nearby. Service quality, visibility of signage, and communication in multiple languages also factor into rankings.

This attention to detail reflects a commitment to inclusivity and serves as a competitive advantage. Airports that proactively meet the needs of Muslim travelers are more likely to be recommended, revisited, and featured in social media-driven decision-making. In many ways, airports have become quiet ambassadors of cultural respect, and those that get it right stand to benefit from the loyalty of a rapidly growing global segment.

The following airports have distinguished themselves for their thoughtful, inclusive amenities tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers. While all operate in non-Muslim-majority countries, they’ve each invested substantially in prayer facilities, halal-certified dining, ablution areas, and inclusive services.

1. Suvarnabhumi International Airport – Bangkok, Thailand
One of Asia’s busiest airports, Suvarnabhumi, has gone to great lengths to accommodate Muslim passengers. It offers multiple dedicated prayer rooms located in both public and secure transit zones, with gender-separated sections and facilities for Jumu’ah (Friday) prayers. Ablution stations are integrated near the prayer areas. Halal-certified food, including Thai cuisine and international fast-food franchises, is widely available throughout the terminal.

2. Changi International Airport – Singapore
Often ranked the world’s best airport, Changi excels in faith-sensitive services. All terminals include multi-faith prayer rooms with male and female separation and proper wudu facilities. Halal dining options are available at certified retailers such as Burger King, Popeyes, McDonald’s, Delifrance, and Coffee Bean. Clear signage and high service standards make it one of the most accommodating airports globally.

3. O.R. Tambo International Airport – Johannesburg, South Africa
As South Africa’s main air hub, O.R. Tambo provides a dedicated Muslim prayer room with gender-separated areas near the basement parking area. Jumu’ah prayers are held weekly, and halal-certified food is available at the airport, including a Nando’s outlet in Terminal A.

4. Heathrow Airport – London, United Kingdom
Each of Heathrow’s terminals includes multi-faith prayer rooms open 24/7 and accommodating Friday prayers. While halal dining options are not as extensive as in other airports, they include AMT Coffee, Pret a Manger (select outlets), and snack shops like Bite. The airport’s clear signage and consistent access to prayer spaces make it a reliable choice for Muslim travelers transiting through the UK.

5. Bandaranaike International Airport – Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo’s main international airport includes a designated Muslim prayer room in the transit lounge, with gender-separated spaces. Though there are no specialized wudu stations, nearby restrooms include foot-washing facilities. While halal restaurants are limited, shops across the terminal offer packaged halal snacks and convenience foods.

6. Franz Josef Strauss Airport – Munich, Germany
Munich Airport has provided a dedicated Muslim prayer room since 2011, complete with Qurans, prayer mats, and qibla direction. Halal food options are accessible and marked in Terminals 2 and 3. The facilities cater well to the rising number of Muslim travelers in Germany and the EU, and the airport’s clean, quiet spaces offer a peaceful environment for religious observance.

7. John F. Kennedy International Airport – New York City, USA
JFK offers Muslim prayer rooms in Terminals 1 and 4 with gender-specific areas. While designated wudu facilities are lacking, adjacent restrooms suffice. During Ramadan, the airport provides dates and water for iftar and extends prayer room access to accommodate peak usage. Halal dining options are scattered but include some fast-food and café offerings.

8. Melbourne Airport – Australia
Melbourne Airport includes a well-signposted prayer room, separated by gender and equipped with adjacent washrooms featuring footrests for ablution. Halal food options, including international chains like Krispy Kreme and select local vendors, are available across Terminals 2 and 3.

9. Chek Lap Kok International Airport – Hong Kong
One of the busiest airports in East Asia, Hong Kong’s main airport includes two Muslim prayer rooms. While halal-certified restaurants are limited, Sky City Bistro near the terminal offers halal meals. Ablution can be performed in connected restrooms. 

10. Manchester Airport – United Kingdom
Manchester Airport features two multi-faith prayer rooms with full wudu facilities and 24-hour access. During Hajj season, it goes a step further, offering ihram changing areas and temporary prayer spaces to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. 

Inclusion is the new competitive advantage
In a travel landscape increasingly shaped by choice and personalization, inclusivity becomes a strategic asset, with benefits that go beyond mere optics. Airports that offer halal-certified dining, clean and accessible prayer rooms, and wudu facilities often become preferred transit hubs for Muslim travelers, translating positive experiences into long-term loyalty, stronger word-of-mouth, and increased likelihood of repeat visits. 

After all, in the age of social media and peer reviews, even small gestures, such as offering dates and water at iftar or marking qibla directions, can make a lasting impression that travelers pass on.