Airlines stopped selling alcohol early in the pandemic as part of a broad cutback in inflight service to reduce interactions between flight attendants and passengers but many extended the policy due to flight attendant concerns about a rash of unruly behavior.

In 2026, most major international airlines have not stopped serving alcohol, but there have been notable temporary suspensions and regional permanent bans that often confuse travelers. Historically, many U.S. airlines paused alcohol service in Economy class during the 2020-2022 period to minimize mask-off time and reduce incidents of "unruly passenger" behavior, which was often exacerbated by intoxication. While service has largely returned to normal on most carriers, some regional domestic markets—most notably in India—maintain a strict ban on alcohol for domestic flights under the Aircraft Rules to ensure "good order and discipline" on short routes. Additionally, "dry" airlines based in certain Middle Eastern countries, such as Saudia, do not serve or permit alcohol on board at any time due to national religious laws. In 2026, the primary reason an airline might "stop" service temporarily is a specific safety concern or a shift toward a "Buy on Board" model where alcohol is no longer complimentary but remains available for purchase to help the airline manage costs and cabin behavior.