A curious incident took place on the inaugural Air India Express flight between Surat (Gujarat) and Bangkok (Thailand) when rumors began circulating that the flight had run out of liquor due to brisk sales. With 175 passengers and six crew members onboard, the flight sparked a flurry of social media posts claiming the airline had exhausted its alcohol supply, causing quite a stir. However, officials from Air India Express swiftly clarified the situation, stating that the liquor stock was sufficient and there was no shortage, contrary to claims circulating online.
As Gujarat enforces a ban on alcohol consumption, the sale of liquor on flights departing from Surat is understandably a unique situation. The airline, which offers a selection of alcoholic beverages during the flight, had reported brisk sales during the trip, but the stock was not exhausted as some passengers had claimed. According to officials, passengers on board are typically served a maximum of 100 ml of liquor each.
Onboard, Air India Express offers a selection of five types of liquor, with prices ranging from ₹400 to ₹600. Popular options include a 50 ml serving of Chivas Regal priced at ₹600, as well as 50 ml servings of Red Label, Bacardi White Rum, and Beefeater Gin for ₹400 each. Passengers can also enjoy a 330 ml bottle of Bira Lager for ₹400.
Interestingly, while the liquor controversy unfolded on the Surat-Bangkok flight, a separate incident on an Air India flight from Copenhagen to Delhi also made headlines. Two passengers on the Delhi-bound flight got into a physical altercation over the armrest space in the economy class section. The disagreement escalated into a heated argument, which ultimately led to the two passengers coming to blows as the plane neared its destination. Thankfully, the cabin crew intervened, and one passenger was relocated to another seat. By the time the aircraft landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, the issue was resolved, with the two passengers shaking hands before departing.
Both incidents underscore the complexity and unpredictability of air travel, especially in situations where passengers’ emotions and expectations collide with the realities of flying. Whether it’s liquor sales on a flight or a simple armrest dispute, the airline industry continues to witness moments of drama, leaving both passengers and crew with stories to tell long after they’ve touched down.
