Vending

India airport to install sanitary napkin vending machines after online shaming

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September 8, 2026

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India's Chennai International Airport plans to install 36 sanitary napkin vending machines in its women's restrooms by the end of September, according to an Aviation India report. The machines are expected to begin operating Oct. 1, giving travelers direct access to menstrual products throughout the airport.

The decision followed a social media post by television actor Latha Rao, who said she unexpectedly began menstruating while waiting for a flight to Hyderabad. After learning that the airport's previous vending machines were unavailable, Rao went from Gate 1 to a pharmacy near Gate 7 but had to wait for an employee to return. Boarding had started by the time she obtained a sanitary napkin and returned to her gate.

Airport officials said the previous vending service was suspended following complaints that the machines were being misused. Until the new machines become available, phone numbers are posted in women's restrooms so travelers can request a sanitary napkin from a female airport employee, who should deliver it within about two minutes. Rao also used her experience to encourage more open discussion of menstruation and menstrual hygiene.