The last decade or more has seen some fierce debate over the merits or otherwise of expanding Heathrow Airport, which some might say is a pity given that they really needed to take better care of the adjacent electricity substation instead. Now, however, it is one of London’s other airports that is about to be expanded.
Luton Airport is to grow substantially after its plans were given the green light by the government. This will include increased terminal space, enabling the airport to handle more passengers and flights than ever.
The airport has already enjoyed a boom in recent years, with its annual passenger numbers rising from ten million in 2013 to 16.7 million in 2024. The expansion project will raise the capacity of the airport to allow it to handle 32 million passengers a year. In addition, 11,000 new jobs will be created.
To some, this news may bring thoughts of new jobs for the townsfolk of Luton, or the exciting prospect of increased opportunities to fly to attractive foreign destinations.
More Wings Means More Washrooms
However, there is also the important issue of washrooms. All those extra passengers, families and friends coming to see people off (or greet them on arrival), plus all the new staff, will need more facilities.
It goes without saying that extra terminal capacity means more room for washrooms as well as increased space for all the other facilities that the staff and travelling public will need. But is it simply a case of more of the same? Will basic cubicles and urinals that could be found at any bus or rail station, or indeed any public facility, be all that is required?
Given that Luton was named European Airport of the Year last year by ACI Europe, it clearly has some lofty standards to live up to. That means, at the very least, that the quality of all its facilities will need to be very high indeed. Cleanliness, consistent functionality and ease of use for anyone (including those who may struggle with English signage) are vital.
However, a more ambitious project could go further. Given the increased size of the airport, there may be a much greater number of long haul passengers who arrive at Luton and will spend time there before catching another flight. This means something more than basic toilets will be very useful. Shower curtains could become as important as toilet seats.
Singapore’s Superb Showers
Among the best examples of how this need is met elsewhere is the provision of extensive shower and washing facilities at Singapore’s palatial Changi Airport.
While Singapore is an attractive destination itself, it is also a mid-way stopover point for many passengers flying long-haul between Europe and Australasia, so the showers give passengers who have been sat cooped up in a plane cabin for many hours a chance to arrive feeling fresh down under in more ways than one.
Changi boasts shower and washing facilities in every terminal and even goes as far as to offer spas and massage facilities. That may be a little bit further than Luton needs to go, but the principle is there.
If, for example, someone has flown across the Atlantic and needs to freshen up before heading on to a destination in Europe or the Middle East, the chance to get a shower and freshen up at Luton may be extremely welcome. This would mean adding in extras such as shower gel dispensers and towels for hire.
Such facilities would clearly need to be designed and equipped differently from most other public facilities at transport hubs, although there are instances of rail and coach stations with showers for those who have just spent several hours sat down, getting hot and sweaty, arriving sticky-eyed and drowsy and in need of soap and hot water as much as caffeine.
Regular Planes, Not Rogue Paint
At the same time, many of the considerations that apply with toilets elsewhere will not be an issue. For example, many public washrooms face a significant vandalism problem because they are situated in public places that most of the public will only frequent at peak times in the day, like parks. This means they can be especially vulnerable at night.
In an airport, however, this is unlikely to be the case, partly because facilities will be in almost continuous use, partly because an airport will have more resources than a cash-strapped council for regular maintenance and monitoring, plus the simple reality that airports are not a place bored teenagers tend to hang out with cans of spray paint.
It now remains to be seen what the design of the new facilities at Luton will look like. But there is certainly an opportunity to set high standards of public washroom facilities.
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