December 23, 2024: The inaugural Air India Express flight from Surat to Bangkok, which made its debut on Friday, has sparked controversy following online claims that the airline ran out of alcohol during the four-hour journey. However, officials from Air India Express have strongly denied these reports.

The flight, which departed from Surat in Gujarat with 175 passengers and six crew members on board, has since become the subject of viral videos showing passengers claiming that the airline ran out of alcohol mid-flight. These videos, shared widely on social media, quickly gained traction and were picked up by several news outlets.

According to the media report, the aircraft was stocked with 15 litres of premium alcohol worth over ₹1.8 lakh for the flight. The report suggested that the alcohol stock had been exhausted before the flight landed in Bangkok, sparking claims of excessive consumption among passengers.

However, Air India Express officials have refuted these allegations, stating that there was no shortage of alcohol onboard the flight. The airline clarified that its stock of alcohol was sufficient and that all services were conducted as per standard protocols. Despite the denials, the incident has caught the attention of social media users, fueling ongoing speculation.

The inaugural Surat-Bangkok flight marks a significant milestone for Air India Express, which aims to strengthen connectivity between India and Southeast Asia. Passengers on the flight were reportedly pleased with the service, but the alcohol controversy has since overshadowed the positive aspects of the new route.

As of now, the airline has not provided any further comments, but the incident serves as a reminder of the viral nature of social media claims and the need for clarity from airlines on such matters.