A water supply failure at Gatwick airport has left passengers without access to working toilets, bars, or restaurants, as bottled water is being distributed.
Disruption across terminals
Passengers reported being unable to get hot drinks, wash their hands, or fill water bottles at the Sussex airport. The problem also affected the wider Sussex and Kent area, according to water suppliers.
A Gatwick statement said: "A water issue in the Horley area is causing disruption at the airport this morning. The problem is affecting water supply in both terminals and is currently under investigation. Bottled water is being made available to passengers and staff across the airport and other contingency measures are being put in place."
Water company response
SES Water said: "We are currently experiencing interruptions to water supplies in parts of the TN11, RH1, RH6 and RH10 postcode areas. Our teams are on site and working to restore supplies as quickly and safely as possible."
TalkTV presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer posted on X: "If you're on your way to Gatwick airport, it might be helpful to know that there is no running water across the entire airport. That means no coffees, no water fountains, no flushing toilets and no hand washing."
Passenger experiences
One Facebook user wrote: "Gasping for a drink & crossing my legs right now. This is ridiculous! Gatwick airport has shut all restaurants and most toilets due to a water outage."
Former MP Michael Dugher posted: "At least allow people to use the chairs in all the closed restaurants and bars. No water is one thing, but depriving people of somewhere to sit is another … Families are having to sit on the floor."
Roger Wood, from Tunbridge Wells, arrived at the south terminal around 11am on Sunday to fly to New York. He said: "There was no communication. 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."
