NDC Desk
Air India Express’s first Surat-Bangkok flight on Friday, December 20, witnessed the airborne people of Gujarat reach a new high—not on altitude, but on alcohol!
Within hours of takeoff, 15 liters of premium alcoholic beverages worth ₹1.8 lakh, including Chivas Regal, Bacardi, beer, and more, were gulped down with an enthusiasm usually reserved for garba nights.
The irony of mid-air revelry was witnessed by everyone who witnessed the strict prohibition of alcohol laws followed by the state of Gujarat since its formation in 1960 in honour of Mahatma Gandhiji.
Prohibition rules the land, not the airspace. Once airborne, all restrictions were thrown to the air! Passengers seemed to decide it was time to uncork some freedom as soon as the flight left Gujarat’s soil.
Gujaratis’ knack for making the best of any situation was on full display as they turned the plane into a flying feast, bringing along thepla, khaman, and even pizza to pair with their drinks.
The consumption was so spirited that the crew had to announce mid-flight, “Sorry, folks, we’ve run dry!”—well before reaching Bangkok.
With dry laws continuing in the land, the flight offered a glimpse into what life could be like for Gujaratis if they were allowed to sip openly.
It’s time for the government to introspect—should they reconsider prohibition, ignore the thriving black market, or continue driving Gujaratis to the skies for a taste of freedom?
For now, Surat’s high-flyers have shown us one thing: where there’s a will, there’s a way—even if it takes 30,000 feet to get there. Cheers to that!
