On a live inaugural flight from Surat to Bangkok, passengers of Air India Express reportedly consumed all the alcohol and snacks during the four-hour journey. Travelers' accounts, which have since gone viral on social media platform X, reveal that the Boeing 737-8, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, consumed 15 liters of liquor and a variety of popular Gujarati snacks, including khaman. and Thepla.
A video circulating online shows empty liquor bottles strewn across the cabin, with one user sharing the experience, “Air India's maiden flight from Surat to Bangkok had 98 percent occupancy on its inaugural day. Passengers exhausted their stocks of whiskey and beer…drinking 15 liters of alcohol worth over Rs 1.8 lakh in just four hours.
Footage captured during the flight showed the passengers enjoying themselves, surprisingly due to heavy drinking, especially given Gujarat's strict anti-liquor laws.
The incident drew attention, and Tata Group airline Air India Express has denied claims of a shortage of alcohol on board, saying the reports were exaggerated. According to statements reported by PTI, airline officials clarified that there was an adequate supply of alcohol and food throughout the journey, and passengers are usually served no more than 100 ml of alcohol.
They also list the prices for the drinks available:
– Chivas Regal (50ml): Rs 600
– Red Label, Bacardi White Rum, Beefeater Gin (50ml each): Rs 400
– Bira Lager (330 ml): Rs 400
The incident sparked debate over liquor regulations in the state of Gujarat, which has largely banned consumption and sale since 1960. However, earlier this year, the state government introduced limited availability of liquor in the Gujarat International Finance Tech-City (GIFT) in Gandhinagar. Age 21 and over to obtain licenses for a nominal fee.
Despite departing from a state with strict alcohol regulations, the flight permitted alcohol service in accordance with international aviation policy.