The water shortage struck at the peak of the summer travel season, forcing the closure of toilets, cafes, and restaurants across both terminals at Gatwick Airport on Sunday, July 26. Staff distributed free bottled water to affected passengers.
Passenger frustration
Roger Wood, from Tunbridge Wells in Kent, was among those caught out. He arrived at Gatwick South Terminal at about 11am for a flight to New York and told PA: "There was no communication. We arrived at 11ish and it had only started recently. We met friends at the bar but they couldn't serve us as they were unable to wash their hands. I've never seen Wetherspoons empty. No idea when it'll be resolved, the toilets also lacked water to wash hands."
Water supply restored
Shortly before 10pm, the airport confirmed water had been reinstated to most facilities. In a statement, Gatwick Airport said: "Following an issue at the Bough Beech Water Treatment Works which impacted the local area today, we are pleased to report that the water supply has now returned to the vast majority of the London Gatwick campus. Most toilet facilities are now open and we expect all toilets - as well as food and beverage outlets - to be open for tomorrow's first flights."
The airport added: "Since becoming aware of the issue, we have been working closely with SES Water and our airport partners to help minimise the impact, and ensure all today's flights departed as scheduled. Additional staff remain on hand across both terminals to support passengers and maintain operations as we return to normal operations. We recognise the inconvenience caused by today's water shortage and thank passengers for their patience and understanding. We'd also like to thank airport staff and our partners, who have gone above and beyond to support passengers and keep disruption to a minimum."
Monday operations
Monday's first departures from Gatwick are scheduled for 5:20am. The North Terminal's first flight is easyJet to Athens, while the South Terminal's first is Wizz Air to Podgorica, Montenegro.
