Will I be arrested at Dubai airport if I drink alcohol on my flight?

Have a question? Ask our expert Simon Calder

It’s sensible to only drink a modest amount when flying to the UAE (Getty/iStockphoto)

Q I have read that should I board a flight bound for Dubai and have a wine or beer, I could be arrested at Dubai airport for drinking alcohol. I wondered if you could confirm such a story?

David G

A One pleasure for many airline passengers, after all the airport stress has been left behind, is ordering an in-flight beer or gin-and-tonic. And possibly, after that, a glass of wine. But there are strict rules against being drunk on an aircraft, for good safety reasons. As the Civil Aviation Authority says: “Drunken and abusive behaviour on an aeroplane is totally unacceptable. Not only does it upset everyone else, but it can also jeopardise flight safety.”