All Airports Should Have Access to Free Water Fountains

May 2, 2013
THIRSTY passengers in Aberdeen International Airport currently have no access to free drinking water, a Euro MP has complained.

Thirsty passengers in Aberdeen International Airport currently have no access to free drinking water, a Euro MP has complained.

Scots MEP Alyn Smith highlighted the Granite City's airport as one of two Scottish hubs without free water fountains.

Mr Smith is calling for a change in European law to ensure all EU airports provide safe and free drinking water to passengers.

He said: "Many airlines and airports advise passengers to drink plenty of water throughout their journey but it's difficult to follow that advice with no regulation for compulsory drinking water in place.

"The price of bottled water at airports is disproportionately high and while licensed premises in Scotland must provide free water, this is not a solution for everyone.

"Parents may understandably be reluctant to take their children into bars and this legislation covers only Scotland."

Restrictions mean passengers can't carry liquids through security and have limited options for keeping themselves hydrated.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport also does not provide free drinking water.

But water fountains are available at Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, while Inverness has separate taps in all toilets with cups available.

Mr Smith said a standard should be set for all airports to provide free drinking water.

He said: "Not only does this make sense for the health of passengers, there is also an important environmental aspect - we all know the problems associated with plastic waste including water bottles. "Water fountains offer an environmentally-friendly way to help reduce plastic waste, so this is a straightforward way to address a couple of problems at once."

Mr Smith has written to the European Commissioner for Transport Siim Kallas and the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy Tonio Borg urging them to introduce a law forcing all European airports to provide facilities for good-quality drinking water.

An Aberdeen International Airport spokesman confirmed there were no water fountains in the terminal. He said: "While we don't have water fountains, all our catering facilities will provide free drinking water to any customer who asks."

He added catering facilities include cafes, not just bars.

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Josh Smith