Air India Express inaugurated its first-ever direct flight from Surat, Gujarat, to Bangkok on Friday, marking a significant milestone for the city’s aviation connectivity. The flight, which was fully booked, gained widespread attention on social media as passengers shared videos of their onboard experience, offering a glimpse into the vibrant atmosphere during the journey.
Reports revealed that passengers consumed approximately 15 liters of premium alcoholic beverages, including Chivas Regal, Bacardi, and beer, collectively valued at ₹1.8 lakhs. The high demand for alcohol was so overwhelming that the crew announced they had exhausted their supply before reaching Bangkok.
Adding a cultural flair to the journey, passengers also brought traditional Gujarati snacks such as thepla and khaman, pizza, and other delicacies. These personal food items and onboard refreshments were reportedly consumed in full during the four-hour flight.
However, some details of the incident sparked skepticism online. Social media users questioned the reported passenger count of 300, pointing out that aircraft typically used for such routes, like the Boeing 737 or Airbus models, have a maximum capacity of around 176 passengers. “Even with this capacity, the alcohol consumption averages about 85ml per passenger during the flight,” one commenter noted the potential inaccuracies in the initial reports.
The incident also reignited debates surrounding Gujarat’s prohibition policy. One social media user remarked, “This demonstrates that Gujarat residents have an appetite for alcohol. It might be time for the state to reconsider its prohibition policy and explore regulated sales, potentially boosting revenue while curbing illicit trade.”
Others approached the event with a cultural lens, with a user commenting, “Gujarati people know how to make the most out of every situation, and this flight was no exception.”
The inaugural Surat-Bangkok flight by Air India Express has undoubtedly become a talking point, intertwining discussions on aviation, culture, and state policies, while spotlighting Gujarat’s evolving travel landscape.
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