Pork served to Muslim deportees on Ireland-Pakistan deportation flight

A chartered flight from Dublin to Islamabad provided 24 Pakistani men being deported from Ireland with a full Irish breakfast that included pork sausages, bacon, and black pudding, raising questions about basic cultural and religious considerations in immigration enforcement.

A government-appointed human rights monitor onboard criticised the catering arrangements for the flight -which took place 23 September 2025- in an official report released recently in mid-May.

The passengers, primarily failed asylum seekers and including some with criminal records, were returned to Pakistan on an Airbus A330 as part of Ireland’s efforts to strengthen deportation procedures.

Held overnight in prisons prior to departure, they were served the standard menu despite their likely Muslim faith and the flight’s destination to a Muslim-majority country.

Although halal options were understood to be available, this requirement was not explicitly stated in the flight brief, resulting in the provision of pork-containing meals that are strictly prohibited under Islamic dietary laws.

Police officers accompanying the operation described the food quality as substandard and specifically highlighted the inclusion of pork products as inappropriate.

The oversight has drawn criticism for demonstrating a lack of sensitivity toward the religious beliefs of the deportees.

The flight, organised by aviation contractor Air Partner, cost Irish taxpayers approximately €473,000 and formed part of broader removal operations totalling around €1.1 million.

In response to the monitor’s feedback, Air Partner has since revised its catering procedures to better respect cultural and religious needs on future flights.