Passengers at Gatwick Airport have no access to working toilets or bars and restaurants because of a water supply failure. Although flights are unaffected, several services have been compromised at both terminals, with passengers posting online that they are unable to get hot drinks, wash their hands or fill up water bottles.
Water firm responds
Water firm SES Water said: “We are currently experiencing interruptions to water supplies in parts of the TN 11, RH1, RH6, and RH10 postcode areas. Our teams are on site and working to restore supplies as quickly and safely as possible. Customers in some areas may experience low pressure or no water while recovery work is completed.”
Airport statement
Gatwick Airport 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 to ensure the welfare of our passengers. We will provide further updates and apologise for any inconvenience to passengers.”
Supplies gradually returning
SES Water’s official X account posted an update at 5.57pm on Sunday to say that water is returning to the airport. “Supplies are gradually returning for impacted customers including Gatwick Airport – it will take time for the network to fully return to normal as this has been a highly unusual and complex issue,” they said. “We want to reiterate that our teams are working as quickly as they possibly can and we are grateful for everyone’s patience.”
Reactions and closures
Shutters were down on the entrance to the Wetherspoon pub, Greggs, Giraffe restaurant and Black Sheep Cafe in the South Terminal before security, while in the North Terminal Starbucks had its shutters down. Toilets were shut with water running at very low pressure in the restrooms. Retail shops including Marks and Spencer, Boots and WHSmith remained open with well-stocked water bottle supplies.
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. Gatwick hasn’t bothered to make a public announcement about this to passengers. How helpful…”
One passenger on Facebook said: “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. Not a great start to the holiday.” Former MP Michael Dugher wrote: “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…”
