Turkey enforces provision of complimentary water on aerial travels
The Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, has issued a new directive that requires all airline operators in Turkey to provide each passenger with at least 200 milliliters of drinking water free of charge during flights.
This directive aims to protect passenger health and improve comfort, as well as enhance the international reputation of Turkish airline operators. Uraloglu emphasized that offering free drinking water will enhance passenger satisfaction.
The directive is sent to all airline operators through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. It does not specify any exceptions based on flight duration, meaning that passengers can expect to receive free water regardless of the length of their journey.
In international operational best practices, meeting passengers' basic needs, such as providing free drinking water, is considered among the responsibilities of operators. This practice will not only help to reduce health risks for passengers during flights but also contribute to a more pleasant flying experience.
It is important to note that this directive does not address the issue of smart luggage with non-removable lithium batteries, as previously banned by Turkish Airlines. Additionally, Uraloglu did not mention any specific medical emergencies that could be prevented by the provision of free drinking water.
However, depriving passengers of water during flights, particularly in summer months, long waiting periods, or insufficient cabin ventilation, can cause headaches, loss of concentration, and even medical emergencies. By ensuring that passengers have access to drinking water, the directive aims to address these potential issues and improve the overall safety and comfort of flights.
This directive is a significant step towards enhancing the passenger experience on Turkish flights, and it is expected that other countries may follow suit in implementing similar practices.
