While significant advancements have been made in enhancing inflight services, one aspect that needs attention is the size and design of toilets in the aircraft.
"We always have to endure various discomforts in an aircraft toilet that is just enough to accommodate a half-size of a slim body and trying to maintain hygiene and avoid health risks, and also complying with cultural and religious practices," Ali al Rawahi told the Observer.
In most aircraft, particularly economy class, the toilets are cramped and compact in size. "We often struggle to enter and exit the toilet due to limited space, leading to discomfort and inconvenience. The confined area makes it challenging to perform even simple tasks like bending down to wipe or sanitise the toilet after use. Inside, we are unable to easily access essential amenities like sinks and soap dispensers," Al Rawahi said.
"The absence of adequate space to hang personal belongings or clothing further adds to the discomfort. The task becomes more daunting during long-haul flights increasing the chances of discomfort and health issues."
These unhygienic conditions pose not only a risk to individuals, but also contribute to the potential spread of illnesses on board and outside.
Providing a more comfortable and hygienic toilet experience should be a priority for airlines, as it directly affects passenger satisfaction and overall travel experience.
Instead of treating extra toilet space as a cost, the airlines should treat this as an investment worth-for because after all, it is just the price of one less seat, which in practice, is nothing as many of these flights are often not filled. "During our recent flights to Istanbul and back to Muscat, an Airbus A330 was half-empty while the space for the toilets was terrible. A new mindset needs to be explored by both aircraft manufacturers and airline operators to address this issue," said Al Rawahi.
"Passengers would appreciate and prefer airlines that prioritise comfort and well-being. This can lead to increased customer loyalty, positive word-of-mouth marketing, and a competitive advantage in the industry. Furthermore, the provision of hygienic and spacious toilets would align with the preferred mode of travel for many individuals, especially for long-distance flights," Al Rawahi said.
He pointed out that this issue presents an even greater challenge for caregivers of both the elderly and children as they always require assistance from family members, caregivers or flight attendants. Elderly individuals struggle due to physical limitations, while children's smaller size and coordination limitations necessitate parental or guardian assistance. Unfortunately, the limited space prevents the caregivers from entering the toilets to help them effectively.
For Muslim travellers, toilets are troubling. “The absence of a handspray (faucet), which is fundamental, hinders their ability to observe essential religious practices," Malik Musallam said.
According to Malik, a practical solution to address these inconveniences is to reimagine and redesign the aircraft toilet.
By increasing the size of the toilet to approximately 1 metre by 1 metre, which is roughly the size of a single seat, passengers would have ample room to sit and stand comfortably, move around with ease, hang their clothing and access necessary amenities conveniently. Additionally, this larger space would even allow passengers to sanitise the toilet after use, further improving the overall experience.
By addressing these needs, airlines can foster inclusivity and cater to a broader range of passengers, making their journeys more comfortable and convenient.
Al Rawahi said Oman Air, which now has a new acting Chief Executive Officer, can embrace this unique opportunity to establish a pioneering benchmark that places the utmost importance on the well-being and comfort of flight passengers.
"By considering convenience, cultural and religious aspects, as well as addressing health risks through improved sanitation, Oman Air can position itself as an innovative and inclusive airline resonating with travellers from diverse backgrounds and countries," he said.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
