Air India Express’s Surat-Bangkok Flight Sets Record Liquor Sales

Air India Express’s inaugural Surat-Bangkok flight on December 20 saw record liquor sales. The flight operated a 176-seater Boeing 737 MAX, carrying 175 passengers, predominantly from Gujarat, a dry state. Passengers eagerly indulged in in-flight alcohol, taking advantage of the airline’s affordable offerings. Air India Express sells 50 ml miniatures of Chivas Regal for ₹600 and 50 ml bottles of Red Label, Bacardi White Rum, and Beefeater Gin for ₹400. Bira Lager beer cans, priced at ₹400, also witnessed significant demand.

Strict Alcohol Service Policy Ensures Safety
To maintain order, Air India Express limits alcohol service to two miniatures or cans per passenger. Crew members may allow additional servings only if the passenger remains in complete control. On this flight, some passengers were denied their third drink to avoid potential unruly behavior. This policy stems from past incidents on other airlines, where excessive alcohol consumption led to disruptions.

Passenger Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The high spirits onboard generated buzz on social media. Kunj Patel, a passenger, shared on X (Twitter), “The combination of alcohol and khaman, Suratians went viral! Air India’s first flight from Surat to Bangkok received 98% passengers on the first day itself. Passengers finished their stock of whiskey and beer. 300 passengers drank 15 litres of alcohol worth more than ₹1.80 lakh in a 4-hour journey.” Although the claim of 300 passengers was exaggerated for a 176-seater plane, it reflects the enthusiasm onboard.

Airline’s Preparedness and Response
Air India Express acknowledged the brisk sales but clarified that liquor stock remained adequate. The airline emphasized its commitment to balancing customer satisfaction with safety. The Surat-Bangkok route has emerged as a popular choice, offering both affordable flights and an appealing destination for Indian travelers.

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