Turkey’s General Directorate of Civil Aviation has mandated that all airline companies operating in the country must provide at least 200 milliliters of free drinking water to each passenger on all flights, regardless of duration.
The new regulation, announced by Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, aims to enhance passenger health, comfort, and international service standards.
The directive applies to all airlines carrying passengers within and from Turkey and takes effect immediately. Uraloğlu emphasized that dehydration, especially during summer months or on flights with insufficient cabin ventilation, can lead to serious health issues such as headaches, reduced concentration, and medical emergencies.
New Passenger Comfort Measure
“As part of the instructions sent by our General Directorate of Civil Aviation to all airlines carrying passengers, it will be mandatory for each passenger to be provided with at least 200 milliliters of free drinking water for the duration of the flight,” said Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Transport and Infrastructure Minister. “Flight durations will not be taken into account under this regulation.”
The regulation is part of broader efforts to align Turkey’s aviation services with international best practices. Uraloğlu highlighted that meeting passengers’ basic needs, such as access to drinking water, is considered a standard business responsibility in global aviation operations.
Uraloğlu said that the decision is not only a public health measure but also a way to boost Turkey’s standing in the international aviation community. “Offering free drinking water to passengers will increase passenger satisfaction and the international reputation of our businesses,” he said.
The new requirement is expected to have an immediate operational impact on both domestic and international carriers operating in Turkey. Airlines will need to adapt their onboard service procedures to comply with the updated civil aviation guidelines.
No Exceptions for Short Flights
The regulation stipulates that the free water provision applies to all flights regardless of length. This means that even short-haul domestic routes must comply with the new mandate, reinforcing the ministry’s focus on uniform passenger service standards across the board.
The Transport Ministry has not specified penalties for non-compliance, but officials indicate that enforcement will be managed by the Directorate of Civil Aviation. The directive reflects a growing trend in global aviation to prioritize passenger welfare and health as part of the core travel experience.
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