Dil Mange More on Surat-Bangkok Flight

Residents of Gujarat, a dry state, found a unique opportunity to let loose aboard Air India Express’ inaugural Surat-Bangkok flight on December 20. The journey saw passengers enthusiastically embracing the airline's relaxed in-flight liquor policy, reportedly consuming alcohol worth ₹1.80 lakh -a record-breaking sale for the airline.

Videos circulating on social media showcased passengers indulging in snacks and drinks, with some clips claiming that the hefty liquor tab was racked up well before the flight began its descent into Bangkok. The posts quickly went viral, drawing attention to Gujarat’s strict alcohol regulations, which mandate a special permit for residents to purchase or consume alcohol.

To maintain decorum, the low-cost carrier’s crew implemented a limit of two alcoholic beverages per passenger. “We noticed high demand for Chivas Regal and Bira beer on this flight,” airline officials shared with media persons. Miniatures of Chivas Regal are priced at ₹600, while options like Red Label, Bacardi White Rum, Beefeater Gin, and 330 ml cans of Bira are available for ₹400 each.

“Our policy is to sell no more than two miniatures or cans to a passenger, unless they remain fully in control after consuming two drinks. This is a preventive measure to avoid unruly behaviour, an issue that has affected airlines globally,” an official explained, adding that despite brisk sales, the flight did not run out of stock as some social media posts had claimed.

As of now, Air India Express, owned by the Tata Group, has not issued an official statement on the incident.