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Aberdeen Airport in Scotland was the first airport to create all of its accessible toilets and baby change facilities as stoma friendly. Stoma friendly toilets were the first in all of Scotland’s airports. They provide travelling passengers with a stoma a more comfortable and dignified experience.The improvement was delivered in partnership with Colostomy UK, following the charity’s guidance for creating suitable toilet facilities for people with stomas. The move places Aberdeen Airport among a growing number of transport hubs and public spaces working to make travel more inclusive for passengers with additional medical needs.
The latest upgrade at Aberdeen International Airport focuses on improving the airport experience for people who require specialised facilities during their journey. A total of nine toilets across the airport have now been adapted to meet stoma friendly standards.
Two upgraded facilities are located before the airport security area, allowing passengers to access suitable facilities before entering the departure zone. Another seven upgraded toilets are available beyond security, ensuring travellers can receive support throughout their airport journey.
The changes are designed to remove uncertainty for passengers who may worry about finding appropriate facilities while travelling. Airports can often be stressful environments due to long queues, security procedures and limited access to private spaces. Improved toilet facilities can help passengers feel more prepared and comfortable.
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The upgraded toilets at Aberdeen Airport now include several important features recommended for people living with a stoma. These additions include a dedicated shelf for medical supplies, disposal bins, full-length mirrors and hooks for personal belongings.
These simple adjustments allow passengers to manage their stoma bags safely, hygienically and privately. The facilities are designed to create a more practical environment where travellers can handle their personal care needs without unnecessary difficulty.
A stoma is a surgically created opening on the abdomen that helps remove waste from the body when normal bowel or bladder functions are affected. The procedure can be required because of various health conditions, including bowel diseases, cancer treatment, digestive disorders or abdominal injuries.
Across the United Kingdom, thousands of people live with a stoma, making accessible and suitable public facilities an important part of inclusive travel infrastructure.
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The introduction of stoma friendly toilets at Aberdeen Airport reflects a wider movement across the UK to improve accessibility in public locations. Shopping centres, supermarkets, entertainment venues and transport facilities are increasingly introducing dedicated features to support people with medical requirements.
For travellers living with a stoma, access to appropriate toilet facilities can influence their confidence when planning journeys. A lack of suitable facilities may create anxiety and discourage some people from travelling, especially on longer trips.
By introducing these upgrades, Aberdeen Airport is helping create a more welcoming environment for passengers with different accessibility needs. The initiative highlights how small infrastructure changes can significantly improve the travel experience for millions of people.
The airport is also expected to be included in a national toilet directory that helps people identify suitable stoma friendly facilities before travelling. This service allows passengers to plan journeys with greater certainty and reduces concerns about accessibility.
Modern airports are increasingly focusing on more than just flight operations. Passenger comfort, accessibility and wellbeing have become important parts of the overall travel experience.
The Aberdeen Airport upgrade demonstrates how transport hubs can adapt their services to support a wider range of travellers. Features such as improved toilets, clearer accessibility information and better passenger support systems can make airports easier to navigate.
For people living with a stoma, having access to suitable facilities can mean the difference between a stressful journey and a confident travel experience. The availability of private and practical spaces allows passengers to travel more independently.
The changes at Aberdeen Airport also create an example for other airports across Scotland and the wider UK. Similar upgrades could encourage more transport facilities to introduce inclusive solutions that support passengers with specific medical requirements.
The introduction of stoma friendly facilities marks an important step towards making air travel more accessible for everyone. Aberdeen Airport’s decision shows how targeted improvements can help remove barriers faced by passengers with hidden medical conditions.
While the changes involve relatively simple additions, their impact can be significant. A shelf, mirror, hooks and suitable disposal facilities provide travellers with greater independence and reassurance.
As demand grows for more inclusive travel environments, airports and other public spaces are expected to continue improving their accessibility standards. Aberdeen Airport’s upgrade could inspire similar developments at other airports, helping create a more comfortable and supportive travel network across the country.
The initiative reinforces the importance of designing public facilities that recognise the diverse needs of passengers. By prioritising accessibility, airports can ensure that more people can travel with confidence, dignity and peace of mind.
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