Passengers flying in and out of Manchester Airport can now refill their water bottles free of charge at any of its bars, cafés and restaurants. The UK’s third largest airport has signed up to a scheme called Refill, a national city-to-sea initiative backed by local water company, United Utilities.
It means passengers can refill their water bottles at any of the 33 outlets across the airport’s three terminals. This is in addition to water fountains that are already located in both arrivals and the departure lounges.
With 7.7 billion plastic water bottles bought across the UK each year, the scheme aims to reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste.
Mike Ward, head of retail at Manchester Airport, said, “As the airport gears up for its busiest ever summer, we know that many passengers are now traveling through with their own water bottles. This scheme will make it even easier for them to fill up and ensure they’re staying hydrated for their flights.”
Sarah Irving, Refill regional coordinator added, “Rolling out Refill in Manchester Airport is really going to help the campaign for reusables to take off, with many travelers opting to take their own bottles and cups when travelling. The aim of the campaign is to normalize using a reusable bottle, so the support from such highly populated places as airports is a great way to get more people on board, making it easier to reuse on the go, whether at home or abroad.”