On a lively inaugural flight from Surat to Bangkok, Air India Express passengers consumed their entire supply of alcohol and snacks during the four-hour journey. Passenger accounts, which have since gone viral on social media platform X, reveal that the Boeing 737-8, with 175 passengers and six crew members, experienced a remarkable consumption of 15 liters of liquor and a variety of popular Gujarati snacks including khaman. and the plan

A video circulating online showed empty liquor bottles strewn around the cabin, with one user sharing the experience, stating, “Air India’s first flight from Surat to Bangkok received 98 percent occupancy on the inaugural day . The passengers finished their stock of whiskey and beer… consuming 15 liters of alcohol worth over Rs 1.8 lakh in just four hours.”

Footage captured during the flight showed passengers enjoying themselves, causing consternation due to the high volume of alcohol consumed, especially in light of Gujarat’s strict anti-liquor laws.

While the incident drew attention, Air India Express, an airline owned by the Tata group, has denied claims of a shortage of alcoholic beverages on board the flight, saying the reports are exaggerated. According to statements reported by PTI, airline officials maintained that there was adequate supply of alcohol and food throughout the journey and clarified that passengers are normally not given more than 100 ml of liquor each.

They also described the prices of available drinks:

– Chivas Regal (50 ml): Rs 600

– Red Label, Bacardi White Rum, Beefeater Gin (50ml each): Rs 400

– Bira Lager (330 ml): 400 rupees

The incident sparked talks about alcohol regulations in Gujarat, where consumption and sale have been largely banned since 1960. However, earlier this year the state government introduced an availability limited alcohol at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) in Gandhinagar, allowing individuals above the age of 21 to obtain permits for a nominal fee.

Despite departing from a state with strict alcohol regulations, the flight complied with international aviation policies, allowing alcohol service on board.