TUI Airways has announced it will discontinue complimentary alcoholic beverages for economy travellers on long-haul routes starting November 1, 2026.The airline currently provides three free alcoholic drinks during these flights, but this will be reduced to just one beer or wine served alongside the main meal.Passengers wishing to consume more alcoholic beverages will be able to purchase drinks on board.Those flying in Premium Economy remain unaffected by the changes, with unlimited complimentary alcoholic drinks still available in that cabin class.TUI will limit free alcohol for economy passengers | GETTY/PASoft drinks will continue to be offered free of charge throughout all economy flights.Customers who have already secured economy bookings for travel from November 1 will receive £12.50 per person for each leg of their journey as compensation for the reduced service.A TUI spokesperson confirmed: “From November 1, 2026, we are making some changes to the food and drink service included for customers travelling in economy on our long-haul flights. “Customers will continue to receive complimentary soft drinks throughout their flight, and a complimentary beer or wine served with their main meal.
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“Additional alcoholic beverages will be available to purchase on board. Adults with existing bookings affected by the change will receive a £12.50 refund per flight, each way.”Posting on social media, the airline shared more information about the change, adding it will be introduced to keep prices down and give customers more choice. A Facebook post read: “This change helps us focus on the things that matter most, like keeping fares competitive, maintaining great value overall, and giving customers more flexibility in how they spend onboard.“Soft drinks will remain free, customers will still get complimentary beer or wine with their main meal, and there’ll be a wider range of alcoholic drinks available to buy, so people can choose exactly what they want during their flight.”The new rules come into place in November | GETTYIn more TUI news, the airline will launch direct flights to an island paradise with white-sand beaches in a UK first.TUI has unveiled plans to launch direct flights from London Gatwick to Zanzibar for the Winter 2027 season, making it the only UK package holiday company offering nonstop routes to the Indian Ocean archipelago.The new service responds to rising demand among British holidaymakers looking for lesser-known long-haul winter sun escapes.Flights will operate twice weekly, departing on Wednesdays and Sundays, with the first taking off on November 3, 2027 and the final outbound journey of the season scheduled for March 22, 2028.