Why Domestic Flights in India Don’t Serve Alcohol: Rules, Safety, and Costs Explained

Introduction: Why Your Domestic Flight Feels “Dry”

If you have taken a domestic flight in India and questioned why the drink service seemed rather dull, you're not by yourself. Whereas, on international flights, alcohol is available, domestic airlines such as IndiGo and Air India tend to stay away from serving alcohol when flying on domestic routes.

This is not only about avoiding some complexity or inconvenience; it is the assessment of safety, cost, operational efficiency, and serious regulations. This blog will explore the truths behind the us and help you form an understanding of how policies impact your experience when flying with the airlines.

1. Safety Concerns: Preventing Trouble at 35,000 Feet

Alcohol and Passenger Behavior

Air travel presents unique challenges — cramped quarters, limited mobility, and hundreds of passengers in the same cabin. Add alcohol to the challenge, and it can sometimes go sideways.

• According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), alcohol is indicated in 27% of incidents where passengers are disruptive globally.
  
  
• Even one intoxicated traveler can create tension, create flight delays, or pose a risk to the crew and other travelers.

India’s Safety Framework

In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) empowers airlines to take strict action:

• Refuse service to passengers who appear intoxicated.
  
  
• Remove unconsumed alcohol if behavior raises concerns.
  
  
• Prohibit passengers from consuming their own alcohol on board.
  
  

Key takeaway: By skipping alcohol on domestic routes, airlines reduce the chances of mid-air conflicts, ensuring a smoother and safer experience for everyone.

2. Cost Considerations: Why Serving Drinks Isn’t Cheap

Unlike international flights, where duty-free rules help airlines manage alcohol costs, domestic operations face financial hurdles:

It seldom pays off to serve alcohol on a flight from Delhi to Mumbai lasting 90 minutes. Instead, airlines are using the time to serve snacks, meals, and quick-service items.

Key takeaway: Serving alcohol is not simply pouring a beverage; it comes with costs that domestic carriers can hardly justify.

Also Read: How India’s New GST Rates Affect (Or Don’t Affect) Alcohol Prices in 2025

3. Operational Efficiency: Making Short Flights Smoother

Domestic flights are usually under 3 hours, leaving limited time for service. Crew members already juggle:

• Safety demonstrations
  
  
• Meal and beverage distribution
  
  
• Cabin checks and passenger requests
  

Adding alcohol service introduces more steps: checking IDs, opening bottles, monitoring consumption, and dealing with potential issues.

By skipping alcohol:

• Service is faster and simpler.
  
  
• Cabin crew focus on essentials.
  
  
• Turnaround times improve, which is crucial for budget airlines like IndiGo.
  

Key takeaway: On short-haul flights, saving minutes matters. Cutting alcohol service keeps operations lean.

4. Regulatory Framework: DGCA and Airline-Specific Policies

Both Air India and IndiGo align with DGCA rules that regulate alcohol on board. Here’s a snapshot of their policies:

Air India

• Carry-on Alcohol: Permitted if purchased at the airport's duty-paid shop and sealed in a transparent bag up to 1 litre in size.
  
  
• Checked luggage: No more than five litres total, between 24% - 70%ABV, in original retail packaging.
  
  
• Onboard Service: No service on domestic flights and passengers cannot bring their own alcohol.

IndiGo

• Carry-on Alcohol: Same rule—only duty-paid shop purchases, sealed.
  
  
• Checked Baggage: Up to 5 litres, same ABV restrictions.
  
  
• Onboard Service: Not served on domestic flights. No personal consumption allowed.
  

Key takeaway: You can carry alcohol in your baggage (within limits), but you won’t be served or allowed to drink it onboard.

5. Cultural and Social Considerations

In India, social attitudes concerning the consumption of alcohol vary uniquely. Some Indian states have outlawed the sale and consumption of alcohol by law. Airlines must respect these local attitudes to avoid upsetting or alienating passengers or running into legal issues. 

• Regional Considerations: A completely domestic dry flight meets legal requirements across states. 
• Passenger Comfort: Not all passengers are comfortable with alcohol being served to passengers around them, especially when traveling on a short domestic family or business trip.

Key takeaway: Beyond rules and costs, cultural expectations shape in-flight policies.

6. What About Other Countries?

India isn’t alone—many countries apply similar restrictions on domestic routes.

• US: Most airlines sell alcohol on domestic flights, but unruly passenger reports have surged, partly linked to alcohol.
  
  
• Middle East: Carriers like Saudia and Kuwait Airways ban alcohol altogether.
  
  
• Asia-Pacific: Several airlines restrict alcohol on short-haul or budget flights.
  

This shows that policies depend on cultural context, flight length, and airline positioning.

7. Common Passenger Questions

Can I carry alcohol in my checked luggage?

Yes, up to 5 litres (24–70% ABV) in original retail packaging.

Can I drink alcohol I bought at duty-free on a domestic flight?

No. DGCA strictly prohibits consuming personal alcohol onboard.

Why is alcohol allowed internationally but not domestically?

International flights benefit from duty-free rules, longer service times, and different cultural expectations.

Final Thoughts: Why Flying Dry Makes Sense

While some passengers may feel disappointed at the lack of in-flight drinks, the reasons behind the policy are clear:

• Safety first: Reducing risks of unruly behavior.
  
  
• Cost control: Avoiding unnecessary expenses on short flights.
  
  
• Efficiency: Keeping service quick and smooth.
  
  
• Compliance: Meeting DGCA rules and respecting cultural norms.
  

So the next time you board a domestic flight in India, you’ll know exactly why your airline has chosen to skip the wine list. It’s all about keeping flights safe, efficient, and respectful of local values.

Also Read: Why a Kingfisher Beer That Costs INR 30 to Make Sells for INR 180 in India