Air India Express launched its first-ever direct flight from Surat, Gujarat, to Bangkok on Friday. The fully booked flight gained attention on social media after passengers shared videos of their onboard experience.
According to reports, passengers consumed approximately 15 liters of premium alcoholic beverages, including Chivas Regal, Bacardi, and beer, valued at ₹1.8 lakhs. The consumption was so extensive that the crew had to announce they had run out of alcohol before reaching Bangkok.
The journey was also notable for its culinary aspects, as passengers brought along traditional Gujarati snacks like thepla and khaman, along with other items such as pizza. These personal food items complemented the onboard refreshments, all of which were reportedly consumed during the 4-hour flight.
However, social media users have questioned some details of the initial reports. Several comments pointed out discrepancies, particularly regarding the reported passenger count of 300. One user noted, "The aircraft, whether an Airbus or Boeing 737, cannot accommodate 300 passengers. The maximum capacity would be around 176 passengers. Even with this number, the alcohol consumption averages to about 85ml per passenger over the 4-hour flight."
The event sparked discussions about Gujarat's prohibition policy, with one social media user commenting, "This is a clear indicator that Gujarat residents can and want to consume alcohol. Perhaps it's time for the state to review its prohibition policy and potentially earn revenue through regulated alcohol sales, especially considering the existing illicit trade in the state."
Others viewed the incident through a cultural lens, with one user remarking, "Gujarati people always make the most out of everything, and they demonstrated that here as well."
