Haneda Airport (Tokyo) Is Not Yet Ready To Welcome Muslim Tourists

Last night, I found myself in a situation that left me deeply unsettled. My Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul was delayed by more than three hours, and as compensation, the airline handed out 1,500 yen meal vouchers to passengers. While this seemed like a kind gesture, what followed was a stark reminder of how unprepared Haneda Airport is to accommodate Muslim travelers.

Among the passengers was a large group of Muslim men and women, likely from Egypt, who didn’t speak a word of Japanese. They were handed the same vouchers but had no idea where or how to use them to find halal food. I tried to help—frantically searching the designated restaurants for halal options—but to no avail. The airport simply didn’t have any.

What happened next broke my heart. The group, tired and hungry, started eating here and there, grabbing whatever they could find without knowing or caring whether the food was halal or haram. For many Muslims, this is an unthinkable compromise, but in that moment, they had no choice. It was either eat something questionable or go hungry.

This experience was a wake-up call for me. Haneda Airport, one of Tokyo’s busiest international hubs, is failing Muslim travelers. And it’s time to speak up.

The Real Problem: A Lack of Halal Options

This isn’t just about one delayed flight or a group of hungry travelers. It’s about a systemic issue that affects thousands of Muslim visitors every year. Haneda Airport prides itself on being a world-class facility, but when it comes to catering to the dietary needs of Muslim travelers, it falls painfully short.

The group I saw last night didn’t have the luxury of time or language skills to navigate the airport’s limited options. They were left to fend for themselves, and the result was a situation that no one should ever have to face.

Why This Matters

1. Religious Obligations: For Muslims, eating halal isn’t just a preference—it’s a fundamental part of their faith. When airports like Haneda don’t provide halal options, they’re essentially forcing travelers to choose between their beliefs and their basic needs.
2. Inclusivity: Japan has made great strides in recent years to become more welcoming to international tourists. But true inclusivity means catering to all travelers, regardless of their dietary restrictions or religious practices.
3. Tourism Growth: Muslim tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the travel industry. By not offering halal food, Haneda Airport is missing out on a huge opportunity to attract and retain Muslim visitors.
4. Human Dignity: No one should have to compromise their beliefs or go hungry because an airport hasn’t done its part to accommodate them.

A Passionate Call to Action

To the management of Haneda Airport, I urge you to take immediate action. What I witnessed last night was unacceptable, and it’s a problem that can—and must—be fixed. Here’s what you can do:

1. Introduce Halal Food Outlets: Partner with halal-certified vendors to offer a variety of halal meals at the airport. This could include grab-and-go options, full-service restaurants, and even vending machines with halal snacks.
2. Provide Clear Signage: Use multilingual signs to help Muslim travelers easily locate halal food options. Include symbols like the halal certification logo to make it universally understandable.
3. Train Staff: Educate airport staff about halal dietary requirements and how to assist Muslim travelers in finding suitable meals.
4. Collaborate with Airlines: Work with airlines like Turkish Airlines, which serve large numbers of Muslim passengers, to ensure that halal food is available during delays or layovers.

Tips for Muslim Travelers (For Now)

While we wait for Haneda Airport to make these changes, here are some tips to help you navigate the airport:

• Pack Your Own Food: Bring pre-packaged halal meals or snacks to avoid relying on airport options.
• Use Apps: Apps like Halal Navi and CrescentRating can help you find halal food near the airport.
• Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to approach airport staff or fellow travelers for assistance.

What I witnessed last night was more than just a frustrating experience—it was a failure of inclusivity. That group of Muslim travelers deserved better. They deserved to have their needs met with dignity and respect.

Haneda Airport, you have the power to change this. By adding more halal food options, you can send a powerful message to Muslim travelers: “We see you, we respect you, and we welcome you.”

Let’s make Haneda Airport a place where everyone—regardless of their dietary needs—can feel at home.

What do you think? Have you faced similar challenges at Haneda Airport or other airports? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Together, we can push for change.