Mumbai: Air India Express’ inaugural flight from Surat, Gujarat, to Bangkok, Thailand, sparked a brief online stir after some passengers claimed the airline ran out of alcohol. The four-hour flight, which took off on Friday, was operated with a Boeing 737-8 and carried 175 passengers, just one shy of the aircraft’s full capacity of 176.
Despite social media reports suggesting a shortage, Air India Express officials clarified on Sunday that while liquor sales on the flight were brisk, the supply was not exhausted. They assured that both alcohol and food were sufficiently stocked for the journey.
“There was no shortage of either liquor or food onboard,” an airline official stated. The airline did not issue an official statement, though its response came after several passengers took to social media to express dissatisfaction, claiming that the alcohol ran out during the flight.
According to the airline’s policies, a passenger is typically not served more than 100 ml of alcohol per flight. Air India Express offers a range of alcoholic beverages, including five types of liquor: 50 ml of Chivas Regal priced at ₹600, and 50 ml servings of Red Label, Bacardi White Rum, and Beefeater Gin at ₹400 each. The flight also serves a 330 ml bottle of Bira Lager for ₹400.
Regarding food, passengers have the option to pre-book meals or purchase them during the flight.
It is worth noting that liquor consumption is prohibited in Gujarat, where Surat is located, though it is available on the flight due to the international nature of the route.
Despite the allegations, the airline emphasized that operations on the inaugural flight were carried out smoothly, with no major disruptions related to the alcohol service.
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