The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) has proposed a ban on serving alcohol in security holding areas (SHA) of domestic airports.
IndiGo, Jet Airways, SpiceJet and GoAir are all members of the federation, and the airlines have voiced safety concerns regarding drunk passengers boarding their aircraft.
In a letter to the aviation regulator, the FIA said:
“Several domestic airports in India have outlets in the SHA (domestic sector) selling alcohol, thus allowing passengers to consume prohibited alcoholic drinks after they have checked in and have undergone security check at the domestic terminal.”
The letter also cites Indian Aircraft Rules, 1937, which bans intoxicated passengers from boarding their flight, something which can be difficult for airlines to identify.
“In view of the safety concern and to avoid any inconvenience to the travelling passengers, FIA requests you to kindly review the policy allowing sale of alcoholic drinks in the SHA at the airports and prohibit the same.”
Neha Gupta
