Air India Imposes Drinking Limit on International Flyers

The restriction has been imposed after several incidents of drunken flyers created a ruckus on board.

Air India aircraft. (Photo: Reuters)

In a first for Indian carriers, Air India is putting a restriction on the alcoholic beverages that can be consumed by passengers boarding an international flight, Times of India reported.

This rationing is followed by a plea made by Federation of Indian Airlines – which include IndiGo, Jet, Spice-Jet and GoAir – which had recently approached the aviation regulator for a ban on the sale of liquor at airports, which they said led to flyers boarding aircraft drunk and threatening the safety of co-passengers.

A notice has been put up on at Air India’s bar for business and first class passengers at Delhi airport imposing a limit of three pegs (45 ml) for hard drinks like whisky, vodka and rum, two glasses (200 ml) and three pints of beer. A flyer can choose only one among the three categories, the notice informed.

Quoting an official, Times of India reported that the order was not issued by GMR-backed airport operator, but by AI. A similar order has been put up in Hyderabad airport by AI.

The Mumbai International Airport said a similar restriction has been imposed, although “informally”. The Airports Authority of India is also planning to go ahead with similar rationing.

(Source: Times of India)