Sky-High Spirits: Surat-Bangkok Flight Faces Alcohol Shortage Rumors

Air India Express' inaugural flight from Surat, Gujarat, to Bangkok, Thailand, became the centre of attention on social media after passengers claimed they had consumed the entire stock of liquor and snacks during the four-hour journey. The flight, operated with a Boeing 737-8 aircraft on Friday, carried 175 passengers and six crew members, marking the first-ever direct air connection between Surat and Bangkok.

Viral Social Media Claims

Videos and posts on X (formerly Twitter) showed empty liquor bottles and happy passengers, with many joking about the “spirited” start to the service. One viral post read, “Air India’s first flight from Surat to Bangkok received 98% passenger occupancy on the first day. Passengers finished their stock of whiskey and beer… drank 15 litres of alcohol worth more than ₹1.8 lakh in a 4-hour journey.”

Surprisingly, the incident sparked intrigue due to Gujarat’s prohibition laws, which strictly limit alcohol consumption in the state.

Airline Denies Liquor Shortage

Contrary to the claims, Air India Express officials dismissed the allegations of running out of stock.

According to a report by PTI, the airline clarified that sufficient food and liquor were available throughout the flight. Officials explained that passengers are typically served no more than 100 ml of alcohol each and emphasized that the social media claims were exaggerated.

Alcohol Pricing and Options Onboard

The airline offers a limited selection of liquor, priced as follows:

• Chivas Regal (50 ml): ₹600
• Red Label, Bacardi White Rum, Beefeater Gin (50 ml each): ₹400
• Bira Lager (330 ml): ₹400

Passengers can also purchase food onboard or pre-book meals in advance.

Gujarat's Alcohol Prohibition and Recent Changes

The Surat-Bangkok flight adhered to international aviation norms, allowing alcohol service onboard, despite Gujarat’s prohibition laws.

Since 1960, the state has prohibited the sale and consumption of alcohol. However, in early 2024, limited alcohol consumption was permitted within designated “wine and dine” zones in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar. Residents above 21 years of age can now obtain annual liquor permits for ₹1,000.

Passenger Experience Highlights

The incident reflects the challenges of managing high expectations and varying passenger behaviours in economy class. As Air India continues to expand its network, this story underscores the importance of managing passenger satisfaction and ensuring smooth operations onboard.