Air India Express just kicked off its maiden flight from Surat, India, to Bangkok, Thailand, and it didn’t take long for the trip to make headlines. A claim went viral on social media, suggesting that passengers drained the entire stock of alcohol onboard.
The Viral Claim
A passenger from the flight, a Boeing 737-8 carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, alleged that every last drop of booze—valued at 70,000 baht—was consumed before the plane landed.
The mini bottles of Chivas Regal, Red Label, Bacardi White Rum, Beefeater Gin, and Bira Lager were reportedly hot items. According to the Times of India, the airline sells Chivas Regal 50 ml for 600 rupees and other drinks for 400 rupees. Unsurprisingly, the whiskey and beer were said to be the top picks during this lively journey.
Social media posts from passengers painted the flight as a high-spirited, celebratory affair, with plenty of fun vibes in the air.
What the Airline Says
But hold on, the story isn’t as wild as it sounds—at least according to the airline. Air India Express officials quickly shot down the “empty bar” rumors.
Here’s their take:
The flight wasn’t out of booze.
Some passengers were denied a third drink, as the airline has a strict two-drink (100 ml) policy for safety reasons.
“There was more than enough food and drink on board,” one official clarified.
Mixed Reactions
While some found the claim amusing, others criticized the situation, suggesting that alcohol sales onboard could be better managed to prevent overindulgence. So far, Air India Express hasn’t released an official statement addressing the buzz.
What’s Next?
Whether the booze actually ran out or not, the story has given Air India Express’s new route plenty of attention. For now, it seems the airline is sticking to its rules—because no one wants an over-served passenger causing trouble at 35,000 feet!