Passengers flying on airplanes face serious health risks from contaminated water onboard, according to an alarming investigation by Fox News, American multinational conservative news and political commentary television channel.

Report by Kelly McGreal, Digital Production Assistant at Fox News Media, published on January 20 shows that water used for drinking and washing hands on planes contains E. coli bacteria that can cause severe infections. Study examined 35 thousand water samples from airplanes over three years and found dangerous contamination.

E. coli is a harmful bacteria found in human and animal waste. When people drink water or wash hands with E. coli-contaminated water, they can suffer from stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting and serious infections. Children, elderly people and those with weak immune systems face the highest danger.

Fox News investigation discovered 32 cases of E. coli contamination across 21 different airlines between 2022-2025. This means water that passengers drink during flights or use to wash hands in airplane toilets may be making them sick without them knowing the source.

Charles Platkin, scientist who conducted the research, told Fox News that airlines are not doing enough to keep water clean and safe.

“These aren't luxuries; they're basic expectations,” he said, warning that passengers should not have to worry about getting sick from airplane water.

Fox News report revealed that Spirit Airlines, JetBlue and American Airlines had the worst water safety records. Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines scored best for keeping water clean and safe for passengers. However, even top-scoring airlines still showed some contamination risks.

Nicolette M. Pace, nutrition expert and founder of NutriSource Inc. quoted in Fox News report, warned that even small amounts of contaminated water can damage digestion and weaken the body's ability to fight diseases.

“Consuming contaminated water, even at low levels, can disrupt digestion and weaken immune defenses,” Pace told Fox News.

McGreal's report explained that passengers can protect themselves by avoiding airplane water completely. Instead of drinking water provided on flights, travelers should buy bottled water after passing through airport security. Passengers should carry their own water bottles and fill them at airport water fountains after security checks.

Fox News investigation strongly advised against washing hands with airplane tap water. Pace recommended using hand sanitizer instead, as it kills bacteria without needing contaminated water. Washing hands with infected water can transfer E. coli bacteria directly onto hands, which then enters the mouth when eating food.

Children are especially vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing and cannot fight infections as effectively as adults. Elderly passengers also face higher risks because age weakens the body's defenses against bacterial infections. Pregnant women should avoid airplane water entirely to protect both themselves and their unborn babies.

Fox News contacted airlines for responses. Spirit Airlines claimed it follows Environmental Protection Agency rules for water testing and maintenance. American Airlines said recent EPA audit found no significant problems with its water systems. Delta Air Lines stated that safety and quality are most important priorities.

However, Platkin told Fox News that airlines only report what they want to share, and much information comes from their own testing without independent verification.

“Compliance should be the floor, not the ceiling,” Platkin warned, meaning airlines should do more than just minimum requirements.

McGreal's investigation revealed that airplane water systems are difficult to clean properly because of complex pipes and tanks. Bacteria can grow inside these systems over time, especially when planes sit unused between flights. Airlines are supposed to clean and test water regularly, but Fox News found many failures in this process.

Passengers are advised to remember that coffee, tea and other hot drinks made on airplanes also use the same contaminated water. Even though boiling kills some bacteria, it may not eliminate all dangers. Experts recommend drinking only bottled beverages during flights.

Notably, Bangladeshi passengers flying internationally should be extra careful. Many Bangladeshis travel to Middle East, Europe and America for work, study or visiting family. These long flights increase exposure to contaminated water through multiple drinks and bathroom visits.

Source: Fox News