As Air India Express inaugural Surat to Bangkok flight sees ‘brisk sales of alcohol’; a look at in-flight consumption policies

Operated with a Boeing 737-8 aircraft on Friday, the flight carried 175 passengers and six crew members, and allegedly ran out of 15 litres of premium liquor worth ₹1.8 lakh before landing in Bangkok, as per posts shared on social media. The incident, documented in now-viral posts on X, has sparked widespread surprise, given Surat’s location in Gujarat — a state with strict anti-alcohol laws.

One post read: “Surat to Bangkok flights started today. Passengers drank 15 liters of alcohol on the flight, and the alcohol ran out even before the plane reached Bangkok. 300 passengers consumed alcohol worth ₹1.8 lakhs during the 4-hour-long journey. They even finished all the snacks.”

However, according to PTI, “Officials of the budget airline on Sunday said there were brisk sales of alcohol on the flight from Surat to Bangkok and the stock was not exhausted, as claimed by some on social media.”

But what international aviation regulations dictate the amount of alcohol airlines can carry and serve on flights?

Dr Vandana Singh, director of Global Corporate Key Account Management at Saudia Cargo, tells indianexpress.com, “On a typical flight, the amount of alcohol available to passengers can vary widely depending on the airline, the duration of the flight, and the class of service. While there is no set limit on the number of drinks served per passenger, some airlines impose guidelines to ensure safety and comfort. For flights lasting less than four hours, it is common for airlines to limit service to two drinks per passenger at a time. Once three drinks are served, there may be a requirement for a break of at least three hours before additional drinks can be offered. However, these restrictions may not apply to passengers traveling in business class, where service can be more flexible.”

International aviation regulations regarding the carriage and service of alcohol on flights are primarily guided by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and various national regulatory authorities.  “Onboard consumption is subject to the airline’s policies, which may vary based on safety considerations and local laws.”

Flight attendants are trained to recognise signs of intoxication and have the authority to refuse service to passengers who appear overly inebriated. (Source: Freepik)

How do airlines manage and monitor alcohol consumption?

Airlines implement several strategies to manage and monitor alcohol consumption among passengers during flights. Dr Singh informs, “Flight attendants are trained to recognise signs of intoxication and have the authority to refuse service to passengers who appear overly inebriated. Many airlines also impose limits on the number of alcoholic beverages served per passenger, especially during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing. This proactive approach helps maintain a safe environment for all passengers, ensuring that excessive consumption does not lead to disruptive behaviour.”

Specific guidelines for flights originating from dry states or countries with strict alcohol laws, like Gujarat

Dr Singh says, “Yes, airlines must adhere to local laws regarding alcohol service when operating flights from dry states or countries with stringent alcohol regulations, such as Gujarat. In these instances, airlines may choose not to serve alcohol at all or may limit its availability based on the legal framework of the departure location. This compliance ensures that airlines respect local customs and laws while providing services that align with international standards.”

Cultural sensitivity also plays a role in these decisions; airlines based in countries where Islam is predominant often maintain dry policies when flying to or from regions with strict alcohol laws. Furthermore, she adds, airlines must comply with guidelines set by aviation authorities like the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India, which prohibits the serving of alcoholic beverages brought by travellers onboard. 

DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is intended for general informational purposes only. Alcohol consumption can pose significant health risks. It is important to drink responsibly and be aware of the potential consequences of excessive drinking.

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