The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Turkey has introduced a new regulation requiring airlines to serve free drinking water to passengers on all flights.

Under the rule, airlines must load 1.5 liters of water per passenger, which cabin crew will distribute in cups at no cost. Passengers who request sealed bottled water will still need to purchase it.

The policy aims to address health concerns associated with dehydration during air travel, particularly on long flights and in situations where cabin ventilation is insufficient. Authorities emphasize that the initiative is designed to protect passenger well-being and enhance the reputation of Turkish carriers in the international aviation market.

Health Risks and Passenger Safety

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said the change follows concerns about passenger health during flight delays and warm summer months.

“Especially during long waiting periods in the summer months and when cabin ventilation is insufficient, dehydration can pose serious health risks,” said Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure. He noted that such risks range from headaches and loss of concentration to potential medical emergencies.

Uraloğlu underlined that the measure was taken to prevent these risks and safeguard travelers. By guaranteeing access to water, the government aims to reduce the likelihood of health-related incidents onboard and ensure a basic standard of care across all airlines operating within Turkey.

Service Quality and Airline Reputation

The minister also highlighted the broader benefits of the policy for the aviation sector.

“Free drinking water service will increase passenger satisfaction and make a positive contribution to service quality,” said Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. He stressed that the initiative would enhance the international reputation of Turkish airlines by aligning them with global service standards.

Airlines worldwide have faced criticism in recent years for charging passengers for essential items such as drinking water, leading to debates about minimum service requirements. By introducing free cup water service, Turkey positions itself as prioritizing passenger health and safety while maintaining a balance between free services and paid extras like bottled water.

The new rule is expected to improve customer experience across both domestic and international routes, reinforcing Turkey’s commitment to passenger welfare. Aviation industry observers view the measure as a step toward harmonizing Turkey’s practices with international best standards while offering airlines an opportunity to strengthen their customer service profile.

As passenger traffic continues to grow, the regulation reflects increasing attention to in-flight health measures and service quality in Turkey’s aviation sector. The Ministry has indicated that the policy will be monitored for compliance and effectiveness, ensuring that the intended improvements in passenger satisfaction and safety are achieved.

Air India Express on Monday started its direct flight operations from Dehradun to Bengaluru with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagging off the new air service at the Jolly Grant Airport.

The Chief Minister described it as a significant milestone in the overall development of the state and the expansion of air connectivity.

“The commencement of Air India Express services from Dehradun marks a significant achievement in civil aviation for our state. Better connectivity with Bengaluru will greatly boost tourism, trade, and investment opportunities in Uttarakhand,” he said.

Direct air service between Dehradun and Bengaluru by Air India Express would also be a great facility for the youth, entrepreneurs, IT professionals, students, and tourists of Uttarakhand, he said.

“Bengaluru is the tech capital of the country and thousands of youths from Uttarakhand are engaged there in education, services, and startups. Now, they will have a more convenient, timely, and safe travel option to visit their home state,” the Chief Minister said.

“It will also strengthen connectivity for students, professionals, and entrepreneurs with one of India’s most dynamic cities. We welcome Air India Express and look forward to the positive impact this connectivity will have on our people and economy,” Dhami said.

In recent years, the state government has taken several major decisions – from policy reforms to infrastructure development – to strengthen air connectivity, Dhami said.

“We are delighted to commence direct flight operations from Dehradun to our largest domestic hub, Bengaluru. This shows the rapid expansion of our network,” Air India Express MD Aloke Singh said.

“With over 115 aircraft now in our fleet, we are building a stronger and more accessible network that reflects the aspirations of modern India,” he said.

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India] September 15 (ANI): Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL), the flagship company of the Adani Group, on Monday said it has received a Letter of Award (LoA) from the National Highways Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML) to develop the ropeway project between Sonprayag and Kedarnath in Uttarakhand.

It will invest Rs 4,081 crore in the project, to be executed by AEL’s Roads, Metro, Rail and Water (RMRW) division. The 12.9 km ropeway is expected to transform one of India’s most challenging pilgrimages by reducing the journey time from the current 8 to 9-hour trek to just 36 minutes, the company said in a release.

Once completed, the ropeway will be capable of carrying 1,800 passengers per hour per direction, easing the arduous journey for lakhs of devotees visiting the Kedarnath shrine every year. Kedarnath attracts around 20 lakh pilgrims annually, and the new ropeway is projected to not only make the travel safer and faster but also improve the overall pilgrim experience.

The project falls under the Government of India’s National Ropeways Development Programme, ‘Parvatmala and will be developed on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode on a revenue-share basis with NHLML. According to the company, construction is estimated to take six years, after which AEL will operate the ropeway for 29 years.

“The Kedarnath ropeway is more than an engineering project – it is a bridge between devotion and modern infrastructure,” said Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, as per the release.

The release further stated, “By making this sacred journey safer, faster and more accessible, we honour the faith of millions while creating new opportunities for Uttarakhand’s people through our partnership with NHLML and the Government of Uttarakhand. This prestigious project reflects our commitment to building infrastructure that not only serves the nation but also uplifts its people.”

Apart from providing improved connectivity, the project is expected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities and significantly boost tourism in the region.

He further noted that the project reflects Adani Group’s commitment to building infrastructure that not only strengthens the nation but also uplifts communities.

Adani Enterprises, which entered the roads and highways sector in 2018, has steadily expanded its portfolio under the RMRW division. Currently, it has 14 projects across Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), and Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) modes, covering more than 5,000 lane kilometres.

The Kedarnath ropeway project is being viewed as a landmark step that will combine technological expertise with spiritual significance, providing pilgrims with a safer and more comfortable passage while opening up new economic avenues for the state of Uttarakhand. (ANI)

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